Research shows mental health and obesity issues among children have increased as a result.
Today (Friday 21st November) the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published new research which shows families across England are being left to manage their children’s health with limited support from the NHS.
New findings published today (21st November) by the Institute for Policy Research (IPPR) show families across England are being left to manage their children’s health with limited support from the NHS as wider pressures continue to strain the health service.
The think tank surveyed over 1,500 parents and found that 32% never attended an antenatal class, 31% do not fell prepared to manage their children’s health and 19% find it difficult to access professional help when they need it.
Meanwhile, the research also highlights stark inequalities. Among higher-income households, 81% said they could easily access professional support, compared with just 37% of lower-income households.
Parents who do receive NHS care often describe it as rushed or judgemental, leaving them feeling unsupported. As a result, many report turning to private services, do-it-yourself solutions or hoping problems resolve on their own.
IPPR argues children’s health has stalled because successive governments have avoided discussions about parenting, wary of appearing to interfere or place blame on families.
‘Families are being left to fend for themselves as the NHS is struggling to support parents,’ Amy Gandon, associate fellow at IPPR and former senior official on children’s health, said. ‘Successive governments have shied away from engaging directly with parents – but in reality they are – and will always be – the backbone of children’s healthcare.
‘If we want a more preventative, community-based NHS, we must start by backing parents with the support, guidance and environment they need to keep their children healthy.’
Sebastian Rees, head of health at IPPR, added: ‘Too many parents feel unprepared when it comes to keeping their children healthy. Families shouldn’t have to piece together advice online or pay privately to get the support they need.
We need a system that supports parents from the start, not one that leaves them to go it alone. Only then will we lay the foundations for building the healthiest generation of children ever.’
Photo: Kelly Sikkema
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