A mental health charity has launched a campaign to highlight the five-year waiting list for NHS mental health support.
Oxfordshire Mind, which supports over 1,000 young adults in Oxfordshire and Berkshire West in 2024, aims to expose the scale of the mental health crisis.
The charity's campaign comes as Christmas and winter see an increase in mental health problems.
According to YouGov data, 26 per cent of people feel Christmas negatively impacts their mental health.
Oxfordshire Mind has created a short film showing the mounting pressure on young people and the five-year waiting time for support.
The charity's mental health forums with more than 40 young adults earlier this year revealed a disconnect between their mental health needs and the understanding of adults in their lives.
This insight inspired the Christmas campaign, which aims to bridge the understanding gap and help young people feel heard and supported.
Jess Willsher, CEO of Oxfordshire Mind, said: "Unsupported mental health issues can be hugely distressing and impactful for individuals and their families.
"Five-year waiting lists for young people who need mental health support aren’t acceptable – no one wants this.
"We know that with the right support at the right time young people can and do improve their mental health and go on to thrive."
The fundraising campaign seeks donations throughout November and December to support Oxfordshire Mind’s mental health initiatives in 2025 and beyond.
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