New helpline to tackle youth mental health crisis
According to a Barnsley Council health and wellbeing report, the town has the highest number of emergency admissions for self-harm among children and young people in Yorkshire and the Humber.
In the year to March 2023, there were 140 self-harm hospital admissions for people aged 10 to 24 - notably higher than the national average.
In response anew crisis telephone service is being rolled out across the borough to provide immediate support for anyone in distress.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the new service, called Night Owls, launched in April to offer support outside of school and work hours and can be accessed through 111.
The health and wellbeing report added: "These services will be closely analysed for impact, whilst alongside this, a full review of all children and young people's mental and emotional health services is taking place to ensure all resources are being used effectively and identify opportunities for improvement."
If you need mental health support the following links provide information about how to get help:
BBC Action Line information and support
NHS mental health and support for children and young people, external
Young Minds support pages
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Barnsley Council
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Teen mental health: When to seek help and what parents can do
Huge leap in children in mental health crisis
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