A LOCAL MP has called on the government to act on the current youth mental health crisis after it was revealed that more than 4,000 youngsters sought help last year.
According to an NHS report, a total of 4,140 people - predominantly teenagers - have received contact from support services in the last year.
Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey’s school mental health report revealed that every school which responded reported an increase in the number of mental health cases they had to deal with and a rise in anxiety issues for both students and staff.
He said: “I’ve been calling for an increase in mental health support for young people for the past six years.
“Since then, the situation has worsened - it’s clear to see we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis in mental health care, with children and young people crying out for support.
“Instead of attempting to cover up the scale of the problem, the next Labour government will give people the support they desperately need.
“We’ll roll-out 8,500 mental health staff to cut waits, put mental health hubs in every community and support in every school, to help people get back onto their feet.”
