We Can Talk until 2027 impact report: evidence
Here you will find links to the external statistics and reports referred to throughout the We Can Talk until 2027 impact report. They are listed along with page number, relevant section of the report and the passage in which they are referenced.
Page 1: Challenges for young people
- Young people consistently report challenges when accessing hospitals due to their mental health, including feeling dismissed, stigmatised, and disrespected by healthcare professionals during these critical moments (Barts Health NHS Trust, 2017; Care Quality Commission, 2015)
- Studies between 2000 and 2016 reveal that those experiencing mental health crises have reported a “horrendous” experience when seeking help at hospitals, leading to reluctance to disclose their condition and seek help in the future (Qualitative Health Research, 2019).
- These negative experiences create significant missed opportunities for engagement and possible suicide prevention (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2016).
- Research emphasises the importance of proper communication, empathy, and understanding from healthcare professionals when dealing with young patients experiencing mental health crises (Royal College of Emergency Medicine, 2017)
Page 9: Challenges for staff
- An overwhelming majority (89%) of hospital staff encounter children and young people in mental health crisis and 90% want more training (We Can Talk / Child Outcomes Research Consortium, 2019)
Page 10: Challenges in the system
- The more mental health services struggle to meet demand, the more young people’s mental health deteriorates and reaches crisis point (Care Quality Commission, 2022).
- “A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.” NHS website advice on going to A&E
- “Long waits for people with mental health needs in A&E are increasing, and people with mental health needs often report poor experiences relating to long waits.” (NHS England, 2023)
Page 11: Challenges in the system
- Since 2010, the number of children and young people admitted to an A&E and diagnosed with a mental health condition has increased 330 per cent. (NHS Digital / The Independent, 2020)
- Children in mental health crisis spent more than 900,000 hours in A&E in England. (The Guardian, 2023)
- Two-thirds of senior A&E doctors report waiting times for young people with mental health concerns of over 24 hours, with reports of waits of five days in the Emergency Department. (Royal College of Emergency Medicine, 2023)
- 3 in 5 A&E staff have experienced high levels of burnout, stress and exhaustion (Royal College of Emergency Medicine, 2021)
Page 38: Back cover
- An area of outstanding practice and “the only programme of its kind in the NHS” Care Quality Commission, Barts Health NHS Trust inspection report (2019) Barts Health NHS Trust CQC report published 2019.