Statistics published by NHS Digital this week have revealed that around one in five children and young people aged 8 to 25 years could have a mental health disorder. Although the rates of probable mental disorders have stabilised across all age groups in 2023 (after a rise between 2017–2020), the figures are a stark reminder of the continuing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and pressures of daily life on children and young people’s happiness and wellbeing. This reflects the findings of our report about children’s occupational therapy, which we released earlier this year.
More than half (56%) of occupational therapists who responded to our survey in July 2023 said that families were cutting back on activities that would support children’s development and wellbeing. This was backed up by the NHS Digital findings that more than one in four children aged 8 to 16 years (26.8%) with a probable mental disorder had a parent who could not afford for their child to take part in activities outside school or college.
While parents and carers recognise the value of extra-curricular activities, occupational therapists told us that having to focus on meeting their family’s basic housing, heating and food needs means they don’t have the capacity to prioritise their child’s health, development and wellbeing.
Children and young people need easy, early access to occupational therapy skills and expertise. This will reduce the risk of their mental health needs escalating and requiring more intensive support from specialist children and adolescent mental health services (which are already under immense pressure).
We’re calling on commissioners and NHS England to employ occupational therapists as members of school-based mental health teams, providing early, practical support for children and young people before they reach crisis point. We’re also keen to encourage occupational therapists to apply for these roles, even if they’re not advertised as occupational therapy roles. As occupational therapists, we take a strengths-based approach, giving young people tools to help themselves. This approach means children, young people and their families may have less need to use specialist mental health services now and in the future.
Our children's survey report 2023
Our expert advice on making the most of play time with your children