Record number of young people in contact with mental-health services in England

New monthly statistics released by NHS England reveal that the number of young people under the age of 24 in contact with mental-health services in England has reached the highest level on record.

According to the data, 873,117 young people under 24 were receiving support from mental-health services by the end of May, the largest number recorded since national reporting began in 2016. 

Despite more young people accessing services, waiting times remain a major concern. Between March and May, 377,017 under-18s were waiting for their first appointment with mental-health services, with an average wait of 276 days, significantly longer than in the previous year. 

YoungMinds, the UK charity focused on young people’s mental health, said the figures highlight the scale of the growing mental-health crisis among young people and the increasing pressure on services. The organisation has called for greater investment in early intervention, faster access to care, and systemic reforms to address the underlying causes of poor mental health. 

Experts warn that long delays in accessing support can worsen symptoms and increase distress for young people and their families. Improving early access to appropriate services and strengthening mental-health pathways remain key priorities across the UK mental-health system.