Children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

The future mental health and emotional wellbeing needs of children and young people are difficult to outline accurately and quantitatively. The 0 - 19 population in South Tyneside is set to rise from 32,900 in 2014 to 33,600 in 2025 (PHE, 2016). This relatively small increase in the CYP population is unlikely to lead to any significant increase in demand for services, however we do know that the costs (and expenditure) on mental health services are rising. This is recognised by the Future in Mind as an issue, hence the increased emphasis on intervening early and promoting universal wellbeing as opposed to simply treating mental health problems.

Locally, there is a general shift toward prevention and early identification of mental health and emotional wellbeing issues, as the recognition of these needs increase. However, increasingly local children's services will have to continue to adapt and incorporate emotional health and wellbeing as a cross-cutting issue, as well as developing bespoke interventions where the need arises.