Over the last five years we have seen a 900% rise in the number of children referred for a Go Beyond break as a result of mental health concerns.
Data collected throughout last year shows that professionals referring children to Go Beyond are more frequently doing so as a result of issues including low mood and depression, loneliness, and social and general anxiety.
The alarming figures underline the worsening children’s mental health crisis in the UK.
As children return to school for the autumn term and pressures of the cost-of-living-crisis continue to mount for families across the UK, we are calling on teachers, social workers and other professionals working directly with children to refer children for a break at our centres.
In 2022, our data showed 100% of children who attended a week-long break returned home with more confidence and 100% feeling more hopeful.
Michele Farmer, CEO for Go Beyond, said: “We know that in recent years children have faced an extraordinary number of challenges in their home lives that have been exacerbated by isolation from peers during the pandemic and now mounting pressures in households affected by the cost-of-living crisis.”
“Clearly, these challenges are having a harmful effect on the mental wellbeing of children and now, as the schools return and weather worsens, we are concerned for those children who will have no relief from their pressures during the winter months.”
Michele explained: “No matter what challenges we face at home, all of us benefit from a break away from our daily lives. Even a few hours in different surroundings with new people can provide huge relief and give us a renewed sense of positivity and purpose.”
“Children who are referred to our services are not able to have time away from home due to financial pressures, caring responsibilities or other challenges beyond their control.”
“But our data demonstrates how even a short break away from daily worries and concerns can improve resilience, positivity and give children a sense of hope, showing they are a vital opportunity for young people, especially those facing serious challenges in their lives at home.”
She went on: “Our concern now is that children who haven’t, or won’t, be able to have that vital break away from home during the winter months will face increasing pressures, at what is already a very vulnerable time for their mental wellbeing.“
Carl Wholey, Go Beyond’s Director for Children, added: “Every year we are able to provide up to 1,000 children with breaks at our centres, so we are urging professionals working with children who are suffering the effects of bullying, abuse or bereavement, living in poverty or caring for loved ones to get in touch.”
Professionals who work with a child they feel need and would benefit from a break away from the challenges they face at home can make a referral here.
