Cambridgeshire children’s mental health charity Blue Smile saw the highest ever demand for its support services last year. Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the charity is highlighting concerns about the numbers of children experiencing mental ill health, and the increasing complexity of difficulties they are facing.
Since 2010, Blue Smile has provided 1:1 arts-based therapy and other specialist mental health support to children in Cambridgeshire primary schools. In the 2022-2023 school year, the charity received its highest ever level of referrals and supported more than 400 children in 30 schools across the county. This reflects a very concerning national picture: according to NHS Digital figures, 18% of children in England aged 7-16 have a probable mental health disorder, up from 12% in 2017. That’s equivalent to five children in every school class.
Anita Gatt, Clinical Services Manager at Blue Smile said: “We’re really worried about the number of children we’re seeing in primary schools who need specialist mental health support. The high level of need is also putting huge strain on NHS mental health services, meaning children referred by GPs face very long waiting times, or aren’t being seen at all. Schools are asking Blue Smile to support with children who would have been seeing an NHS specialist in the past. As children’s problems are increasingly complex, that puts a lot of pressure on our therapy teams when we support children in long-term therapeutic work. It’s vital that all kids with mental health problems get prompt, specialist treatment to avoid long-term damage to their education, relationships and wellbeing – otherwise the consequences for their future can be devastating. It’s a really concerning situation, but we do know that when we put the right, specialist support in place for children, parents and teachers, it makes a really big difference”.
During the 2022-3 school year, Blue Smile’s data shows that:
- The charity’s therapy teams supported 408 children in 30 schools across Cambridgeshire, up from 341 in the previous year.
- 255 children received 1:1 therapy; on average, children had 31 therapy sessions.
- 90% of parents felt their child had made progress towards their identified goals by the end of therapy and 61% children were more engaged in school life.
- Children accessing 1:1 therapy were facing a range of challenges including family breakdown (49%), family mental illness (27%), domestic abuse (21%) and bereavement (20%); 29% were facing 4 or more of these “adverse childhood experiences”.
- 153 children were supported in small groups, designed as early intervention for emerging mental health issues.
Anne Kent-Taylor, Charity Director of Blue Smile added: “We’re very proud of the difference our dedicated therapists are making for some of the county’s most disadvantaged children. None of our work would be possible without the kind support of businesses and individuals who fundraise for us, so we’re hugely grateful for their dedication to supporting children’s mental health. But there is a lot more to be done, so this World Mental Health Day we’d love to hear from more potential Blue Smile heroes who can help us support more kids to have happier childhoods and brighter futures”.
To mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October, Blue Smile is encouraging local individuals and organisations to become Blue Smile Heroes and support children’s mental health across Cambridgeshire. Whether it’s organising a fundraising challenge, a bake sale with colleagues or selecting Blue Smile as a charity of the year, there are many ways companies, organisations and individuals can play their part in raising money and helping the life chances of Blue Smile children.
Find out more at BlueSmile.org.uk or donate now to support children's mental health.
