Child mental health figures in-focus
A Freedom of Information Request by The News & Star has revealed that 20,126 referrals were made to Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) for children and young people, between March 2024 and March 2025.
The age group with the highest number of referrals was 10 to 15 year-olds with 10,724.
CNTW received 2820 referrals from 16 to 17 years-olds, the age group with the second highest number of referrals.
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CNTW delivers mental health, neurodiversity and neuro-rehabilitation services in the area and manages The Carlton Clinic in Carlisle.Â
The most common referral pathway for 10-15 year olds was mental health, followed closely by neurodiversity.
Data from Cumbria Community Foundation shows that, in 2024, Cumberland was higher than the England average for mental health related hospital admissions involving children.
The rate of admissions per capita in Cumberland was 115.89, compared to the England average of 83.76.
Mental health related hospital admissions for children aged 0-17 (Image: Cumbria Community Foundation) Lindsay Spencer, Associate Nurse Director at CNTW said: “We haven’t seen specific issues affecting 10–15-year-olds in referrals. However, we recognise that social media, gaming, and increased awareness of mental health may influence how young people seek support.”
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“Referrals to our children’s learning disability and ADHD services continue to rise, reflecting the growing national demand for support. Meanwhile, referrals to CAMHS have remained static over the last year.”
Community mental health support in Cumbria
PAC Therapy, based in Carlisle, provides free counselling and therapy to children and young people.
The charity has been operating for more 40 years but has been led more recently by Charity Director, Jen Chambers.Jen Chambers, Charity Director at PAC Therapy in Carlisle (Image: Supplied)
Ms Chambers said services like hers are in high demand and the most common factors affecting young people’s mental health change over time.
She said: “There was a period after Covid-19 where it really sky-rocketed.
“At one point, there was a lot of young people not going back to school. We had a lot of young people that wouldn’t leave the house.
“We’re getting a lot of referrals coming through that feature self-harm and suicidal ideation.”
“We link-in with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) and that’s helping all services involved to better manage waiting lists.
“There are positive things happening to enable young people to get to the support that they need. The communication is getting in place between sectors now to hopefully streamline it for the young person.”
Cumberland: a joined-up approach
Emma Williamson, Non-Statutory Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council (Image: Cumberland Council) Cumberland Council is “working closely” with cross-sector partners on the factors impacting young people.
Councillor Emma Williamson, Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio Holder said: “We know mental health challenges in children and young people can be influenced by a range of factors – including social pressures, family circumstances, the impact of the pandemic, and access to early support.”
Cllr Williamson is also the council’s non-statutory deputy leader.
The council has launched seven “transformational” Family Hubs – a “one-stop shop” providing direct support to children, young people and families as well as Hub2U which brings services directly into community spaces.
Thousands of children and young people have been supported already with a future focus on ensuring bespoke mental health support is provided in a timely manner