Kids across Tyne and Wear need support earlier to tackle mental health issues
We're being warned that kids are reaching a "crisis point" before getting the care they need
Kids across Tyne and Wear need support a lot earlier in life to tackle mental health issues, according to new research.
The Care Quality Commission is warning that kids are reaching 'crisis point' with mental health issues, before getting the help they need.
Tom Rebair, from Newcastle, has battled anorexia and spent six months in hospital as a result when he was 14.
He said:
"It’s all about educating people and knowing the little signs. If you saw someone in the street and there were having a stroke or something like that you would kind of, even though you’re not a doctor by any means but you would know the signs.
"When you’re really young, your mam and dad can speak to the doctors on your behalf; whereas when you’re an adult, we found that it was very hard because doctors are saying that you have to bring kids in and they're probably going to deny it because it is very secretive."
Dr Elizabeth Evans, researcher at Newcastle University, said:
"If a child develops an eating disorder, you want to help treat them, surrounded by their family at home, in an outpatient setting where they can get family therapy altogether.
"You don't want them to get so ill that they end up on their own.
"What really needs to be put in place is what's been promised. What we need is really good funding to help these come through in practice for children. We know what will help them most - the question is the funding in place to help them get that care when it's most needed?"