HOW CAN WE HELP OUR CHILDREN?

With more young people facing mental-health crises, we investigate what needs to be done

- JOHANNA BELL

As parents and carers, we strive to support our children and keep them healthy. If they’re sick, we take them to the doctor. But when we’re concerned about their mental health, is there enough support?

The number of children facing mental health crises has soared by 53% in four years, with more than 30,000 under-18s referred for emergency care at mental-health services in 2022 to 2023.

While evidence shows that children who receive support quickly are less likely to develop long-term conditions, the Royal College of Psychiatrists recently revealed that many under-18s have suffered worsening mental health while on NHS waiting lists. The College has called for an expansion of the mental health workforce and additional funding.

We speak to the mother of a young woman who took her own life, who believes more needs to be done.

‘I’m channelling my grief into helping others’

Kay Speedman, 57, is a retired police officer from Staffordshire. My daughter Caitlin struggled to fit in at primary school, so when she started secondary school in 2010 and made friends, her stepdad Mark and I were delighted. She thrived and got good grades.

But everything changed when she was 13. Mark and I were horrified to discover she’d been groomed by an older teen. It was every parent’s worst nightmare and I was devastated. My poor girl was so young. The man was jailed after admitting a string of sexual offences. But the damage had been done, and Mark and I were fraught with worry.