THE mental health and wellbeing of children in the town has been ‘substantially impacted’ because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The council's protecting the most vulnerable policy committee will be given a presentation on the impact of the pandemic on children and young people at its meeting on Wednesday.

On emotional health, the documents say evidence suggests that many children’s mental health and wellbeing has been ‘substantially impacted’ due to, and during, the pandemic.

It adds: “Some groups of young people have been disproportionately affected, including children who have experienced trauma, children from low-income households, children in care and LGBTQ+ children and young people.

“In the earlier months of the pandemic, referrals to CAMHS reduced. However, referrals are now at an all‐time high.

“In Warrington and Halton, referrals for CAMHS support have seen a 200 per cent increase (September 2021).

“The pressures on services is impacting on some children’s access to mental health support and the timeliness of the support.

“Children’s social care have recently seen an increase in support for children with very complex mental health needs, which have escalated significantly.

“There have been difficulties sourcing accommodation and support for this group of children in the local area.”

The documents also highlight the measures that have been delivered.

It highlights that, in early 2021, a systemic hub in children’s social care was launched.

Systemic family practitioners work therapeutically with families to build purposeful relationships and support families to create sustainable change.

Furthermore, public health raised awareness of the resources and guidance developed in response to the pandemic for children and young people, as well as parents and carers, available through the ‘Better Health: Every Mind Matters’ platform.

Meanwhile, a range of mental health training was promoted via Warrington’s public health training hub and mental health workers provided schools and college staff with a series of workshops for the town’s wellbeing for education return scheme.

Committee members are recommended to review the report, which also includes sections on food poverty and hardship, safeguarding and physical health.