FRESH concerns are emerging over the increased demand by young people in relation to mental health issues.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s chief medical officer Angela Tillett said: “Young people have been very significantly impacted by the pandemic.

“We were not where we wanted to be before Covid, and now I imagine we are going to see another two years of young people struggling unfortunately.”

The trust’s chief executive Nick Hulme stated he will be keeping a close eye on the situation.

Gazette: Close eye - Nick HulmeClose eye - Nick Hulme (Image: Newsquest)

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He added: “We have seen challenging behaviour from young people in our care where they choose to be violent, but often it isn’t their choice as they are sick.

“I think we have been providing the right escalation along with local support and specialists going into the wards.

“Staff have said they feel supported and we’ve offered additional psychological support.

“I think we are covering all bases and I will continue to keep a close eye on the emerging situation.”

Chief nurse Giles Thorpe added two registered mental health nurses for children and young people have been appointed to help alleviate the situation.