Demand for mental health support for children and young people in Bury more than doubled in a year, figures have shown.

Referrals to Bury Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) rocketed by 165 per cent in 2021/22, making it the highest referral rate in Greater Manchester (GM) in relation to the population.

Despite data indicating there is a need for 22 more CAMHS practitioners, there is "insufficient investment" available to take on staff. 

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A report, prepared ahead of the latest borough locality board meeting, which deals with health issues in the area, said: "Bury saw a 165 per cent increase in CAMHS referrals in 2021-22 with the highest referral rate (per head of population) in GM.

"The recently completed gap analysis shows that 22 additional CAMHS practitioners would be required to meet demand.

"There is insufficient investment to expand the service to this extent and even if additional investment were secured recruitment of qualified CAMHS practitioners is likely to be a challenge."

Among other concerns highlighted in the report is the need to provide more support for people with dementia. 

The report added: "While performance in Bury in relation to dementia diagnosis has traditionally exceeded the national target, it is recognised that there are significant capacity pressures in primary care with very high levels of demand.

"This has the potential to create a delivery risk."

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To tackle mental health problems, the locality board will "continue to achieve the Mental Health Investment Standard (MHIS) by increasing expenditure on mental health services by more than allocations growth".

Self-help and signposting information for children and families are set to be improved with a focus on young people receiving support at an earlier stage. 

There are also plans to develop a "workforce plan to support delivery" and to improve data to "evidence expansion and transformation of mental health services".

In respect of diagnosing dementia, a number of steps will be taken to make improvements including extra training when needed.

The report added: "Bury has established an integrated Dementia Steering Group which will be developing a work plan for 2023-24.

"The focus will be on improvement in line with the Bury MH Strategy, including improvement of the dementia care pathway in line with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and the NHSE Well Pathway for Dementia.

"Continuing throughout 2023-24, there is an initiative running in the North Neighbourhood of Bury on improving dementia care."