Mental health issues in children in the Western Trust area are 25 per cent higher than the UK average, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said.

It comes as he announces steps to reduce waiting lists for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in this area.

Responding to a question at Stormont, Minister Nesbitt referenced the 2020 Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey, which revealed significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among Northern Ireland’s youth compared to other UK nations.

These findings informed the NI Mental Health Strategy, which includes actions aimed at CAMHS.

He explained that the Western Health and Social Care Trust faces recruitment and retention challenges, "along with more complex case presentations", leading to increased waiting times for assessments.

Action 32 of the Mental Health Strategy addresses these staffing issues, following a comprehensive workforce review completed in March 2022 that emphasised new working models, training, and recruitment.

"The Mental Health Strategy acknowledges the need for additional investment in CAMHS," said Minister Nesbitt. "Action 10 commits to increasing funding to 10 per cent of the Adult Mental Health Budget."

Minister Nesbitt assured that his department would continue collaborating closely with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and other stakeholders to develop services that address both current and emerging needs.

Despite budget challenges, he is "committed to securing the necessary resources for CAMHS to meet demand".