Child mental health
Child mental health in Medway
1 in 5 youths aged 8 to 16 in England are have a probable mental health disorder.
Common mental health conditions include:
- depression
- general anxiety disorder (GAD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- eating disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In 2023 to 2024, the rate of under 18’s admitted to hospital for mental health conditions in Medway was 112.47 per 100,000.
In 2023, it was estimated that 9,238 people aged 8 to 19 years old have a common mental health condition. An additional 5,617 may have a possible mental health condition.
In 2024 to 2025, the number of under 18's attending accident and emergency for self-harm was 307.
Poor mental health in young people impacts their education, health, personal development and social skills.
Risk factors for mental health issues include:
- health: physical disability, chronic health problems or learning difficulties like ASD or ADHD
- family: parental unemployment, poor parenting, abuse or other circumstances
- environment: poverty, social housing, refugee status or homelessness
- school: the above risk factors may lead to social exclusion, increasing the risk of bullying.
Neurodiverse conditions include autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and more. These can make a person more likely to experience mental health conditions.
In Medway in 2024 to 2025, the number of young people waiting for support with ASD was 606 and the number with ADHD was 120.
What's available in Medway
- Release the Pressure Helpline, a free and confidential access to highly trained and experienced mental health teams 24/7 through text or call. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160
- Kooth, an online mental health community giving free and confidential advice for young people aged 10 to 25 years old.
Other mental health services for youths include:
- Medway Young Person’s Wellbeing Service (MYPWS)
- Emotional Wellbeing Team
- Emotional Support Team
- Short Intervention Therapy
- Building Resilience And Validating Emotions (B.R.A.V.E)
- BeYou
- CHUMs
- Mind and Body.
In 2023 to 2024, 7,094 young people in Medway accessed mental health and emotional wellbeing support.
Recommendations
- Increase awareness of emotional wellbeing and mental health and the uptake of support services for young people
- Working more closely with partners to respond to risk factors and implement the THRIVE framework.