Addressing growing mental health issues and targeting unmet demand for support relies on accurate and detailed data.
The Centre for Mental Health, in partnership with Kooth, has launched a new map tool, Mapping the Mental Health of the UK’s Young People. This first-of-its-kind initiative provides a clear picture of disparities across regions, highlighting critical issues like high rates of self-harm, eating disorders, and loneliness.
For example:
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200 children in an average English secondary school are now estimated to experience mental health difficulties—a doubling of rates over the past decade
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In Rotherham, new referrals to children’s mental health services are more than double the national average, with 182 per 1,000 children compared to 70 per 1,000 nationally.
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The prevalence of eating disorders among 17-19-year-olds in England has increased significantly, with 125 out of 1,000 reporting eating disorders in 2023, up from 26 per 1,000 in younger age groups.
These insights enable targeted interventions, focusing on areas with elevated risks due to poverty, care system involvement, or school absence. By providing localised data, the map empowers decision-makers to tailor services to meet the unique needs of their communities, ensuring equitable access to support and a brighter future for all young people.
Creating meaningful change, collaboration between sectors and investment in evidence-based policies is essential. Together, we can build mentally healthier schools, communities, and systems that leave no young person behind.
Download the full report to explore the data map and discover actionable insights for improving young people's mental health in your community.