Somerset Waiting Times Lag Behind National Average for Mental Health and SEND Care
Somerset Waiting Times Lag Behind National Average for Mental Health and SEND Care
New figures from the House of Commons Library reveal that Somerset is falling behind national averages in providing timely mental health and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) care for children and young people.
The data highlights growing concerns around delays in both assessments and the delivery of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. While the legal requirement is for local authorities to issue EHC plans within 20 weeks of an assessment request, Somerset managed this in just 33.5% of cases, well below the national average of 46.2%. Even more concerning, 11.5% of EHC plans in Somerset took over a year to be issued, compared to a national average of 7.3%.
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, has consistently campaigned for urgent improvements to SEND provision. Alongside the Liberal Democrats, she has recently called for a profit cap on private providers, aiming to stop excessive profiteering at the expense of children with additional needs.
Somerset’s data shows that within state-funded schools, pupils aged 9–11 are the most likely to receive SEN support. However, 35% of new EHC plans issued in 2024 were for children aged six and under, highlighting a growing need for early years intervention.
Compounding the issue is the rise in mental health concerns among young people. A 2023 survey found that 76.2% of 8 to 16-year-olds had sought help or advice for a mental health concern within the year.
Anna Sabine MP commented:
“It’s not hard to understand the pressures our young people face today. Global events, the closure of local resources, anxiety-inducing headlines and constant access to social media all contribute to rising levels of stress and unease in children. We must take action, locally and nationally.”
"Somerset Council, like many others across the country is being severely underfunded by the Government, making it increasingly difficult to meet the rising demand for children and young people’s mental health services. We urgently need proper investment in our children’s futures through better resources for local councils. But beyond that, is there more we, as a community, can do together to support young people’s mental health?"
With this in mind, Anna has partnered with Beacon Services Resources CIC with support from Frome Medical Practice, to launch a locally led Children and Young People’s Mental Health Hackathon on 6th September in Frome. The event will bring together young people, concerned adults, community groups and professionals to explore solutions and support.
“I’m really excited to help facilitate a proactive conversation in Frome,” said Anna. “Whether through outreach, projects, or simply better access to resources, we want to start a meaningful dialogue and work collaboratively to support future generations.”
The event will feature a programme of events on the 6th September across venues in Frome, including a panel discussion at Frome Town Hall and a variety of talks and events on different areas of thinking around young people’s mental health. The aim is to bring together the community in a solution led collaborative effort to help support our children.
To get involved, visit Anna’s website and fill in the form indicating your interest. There are also anonymous surveys available for both adults and children to help shape the topics discussed during the day which Anna and the team would love as many people to fill out as possible and make their voices known.