Purple House Clinic (PHC) Birmingham, our newest clinic in the Purple House Clinic network, has reported a soaring demand for its services over the last two months, with an increase of over 50% in adult, young people and children’s enquiries. Having only recently opened its doors in Coleshill, the clinic has grown a team of four new psychologists to help meet the needs of people struggling with their mental health.
Dr Danielle Grey, Clinical Director of PHC Birmingham, believes a combination of factors has led to the surge in demand across the West Midlands, from long NHS waiting lists to increased strain on statutory services and the long-term impact of the pandemic. “It has become very evident that there is a pressing need for mental health support services across Birmingham, particularly for younger children aged between five to seven. Whilst the physical effect of the pandemic was easy to spot, I think the mental impact is only becoming clearer now and has left a growing number of children with unprecedented challenges.”
Earlier this month, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week (5th – 11th February), analysis from the Royal College of Psychiatrists was released which showed a staggering rise in the number of children in England being referred for emergency mental healthcare. In just four years, psychiatrists and their teams have seen a 53% increase in the number of children in mental health crisis, who need emergency support.
