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Today, NHS digital has published the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of mental health and wellbeing for England and Wales for the first time since 2016.
The statistics show that young adults (aged 16-24) remain a key group:
- The proportion of young adults with a common mental health condition has increased by almost 50% since 2007 (rising from 17.5% in 2008, 18.9% in 2014, to 25.8% in 2023/4).
- Younger adults were also more likely to report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD and ADHD than older age groups.
The statistics also identified the persistence of socioeconomic inequalities in mental health
- Adults with problem debt and those who were not in employment were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD.
- Living in the most deprived fifth of areas was associated with increased prevalence of common mental health conditions, suicide attempts and PTSD.
Cassandra Harrison, CEO of Youth Access said:
“These statistics are a damning indictment of the increasingly rocky path young people are facing on their journey into adulthood. Long waiting lists for mental health support and cuts to youth services have left many young people alone and unable to find their footing. This is unacceptable, but it is not inevitable.
The Government was elected on a pledge to roll out a Young Futures Hub in every community with drop-in mental health support. This flagship programme has the potential to transform the availability and accessibility of support for young people up to age 25. For this to be a success, Young Futures Hubs must centre young people's voices and build on existing services and expertise.
We note that the Spending Review was silent on this commitment. We urge the Government to be bold and ambitious for young people on their transition into adulthood. There is no time to waste."
About Youth Access
Youth Access exists to ensure that every young person has access to support that meets their rights and needs, on their journey into adulthood. Alongside a member network of 133 services, we champion young people’s right to access high-quality services providing a range of support, from mental health and wellbeing to housing and employment, all under one roof, in their local community.
Together with the Fund the Hubs campaign, we published A blueprint for Young Futures Hubs setting out a recommended way forward for the Young Futures Hub programme.