Story perspectives

Rising Demand Causes Year-Long NHS Mental Health Waits

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Response, the Oxfordshire mental health charity, reports longer NHS waiting lists and rising demand.
Jamie Douglas, associate director of Response, says wait times rise as more young people seek help.
Currently, 28% of children face an over one-year NHS mental health wait.
A Berkshire parent criticized the NHS process, saying timely help for her daughter was difficult.
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is working to streamline access to mental health services.

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Story summary

Response, the Oxfordshire mental health charity, reports longer NHS waiting lists and rising demand.
Jamie Douglas, associate director of Response, says wait times rise as more young people seek help.
Currently, 28% of children face an over one-year NHS mental health wait.
A Berkshire parent criticized the NHS process, saying timely help for her daughter was difficult.
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is working to streamline access to mental health services.