A GENERATION of children is at risk of being failed by a lack of adequate mental health support, experts warned today.

The Mental Health Network said that the system for children and young people is reaching a “tipping point” as it faces significant demand.

In its latest report, the group, which represents mental health and learning disability service providers and commissioners in England, states that the pandemic has led to extra pressures which could lead to mental health problems for youngsters.

These include uncertainty and anxiety caused by lockdowns, school closures, isolation from friends and peers, bereavement and loss, and extra stresses and pressures on their families.

The crisis has also worsened existing mental health inequalities, the experts warned.

Previous analysis has suggested that as many as 1.5 million children and young people may need new or additional mental health support as a result of the pandemic.

The experts said that there were 305,802 children and young people in contact with mental health services in England in February this year, a sharp rise from 237,088 in March 2020.

The network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, noted that there is pressure on hospital beds in the short term, but said that ministers must consider the long-term problem and put funds into early intervention and preventative measures.

It added that more must also be done to plug staffing gaps.

Mental Health Network chief executive Sean Duggan said: “A generation of children and young people requiring support for their mental health risk being failed because the NHS is not being adequately resourced to support them.

“Additional and targeted investment is essential, as is a real commitment from the government to continue expanding and improving services so that we can avoid failing children and young people when they may need help the most.”