Recent news headlines and the publication of the government’s latest report into the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) have prompted renewed debate about the challenges facing children and young adults across the UK. While much of the focus has been on employment, skills and economic inactivity, the conversation also raises important questions about the long-term impact of poor mental health and unequal access to opportunity.
The discussion about the rising figure of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is long overdue, but it’s missing an important piece of the puzzle, which is children’s mental health. As a CAMHS consultant, I have seen firsthand how the experience of mental health in childhood and adolescence affects a young person’s view of themselves and their opportunities for work and also how getting the right job during their transition to adulthood can be a vital part of recovery.
The link between NEET status and mental health difficulties is well established and we know from the Mental Health of Children and Young People surveys that rates of probable mental health disorders among children and young people between 8 and 16 years have risen year-on-year from 2017 to 2023. We know that demand for children’s mental health services continues to grow, with more than one million children and young people in contact with NHS mental health services in 2024/25. The young people identified in this data are now entering further education, training and the labour market.
All too often, mental health difficulties are accompanied by other challenges. The 2023 survey showed that children experiencing poor mental health are more likely to miss school, face financial hardship and have reduced access to extracurricular activities and other opportunities that help build confidence, skills and resilience. This can make successful transitions into adulthood and employment even more difficult.
The government’s focus on improving access to work, training and employment support is welcome. However, if we are serious about reducing the number of young people who become NEET, we must also address the factors that increase risk much earlier in life – timely access to mental health services, poverty, educational support and equitable access to opportunities. Supporting young people into work starts long before they enter the labour market.
Dr Vica Khromova
Dr Khromova has worked in psychiatry since 2007 and has been a Consultant Psychiatrist in inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) since 2014. Her media work includes appearances on BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Sheffield, the Ask the Therapist and Joyful Doctor podcasts as well as contributing to articles for Take a Break magazine.