Thousands of children and young people in Hampshire are facing long waits for mental health support, with some waiting more than two years for an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment.

New figures from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust show that 3,378 young people have been identified as needing an ADHD assessment through the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS), with the average wait now standing at 111 weeks.

The figures come from an update by CAMHS to Hampshire County Council’s Children and young people select committee, which looks at the service’s progress, challenges and plans to improve support for children and young people.

The update describes ADHD delays as one of the service’s biggest challenges and says a plan is being developed with NHS partners to reduce the backlog.

The number of children waiting for a CAMHS assessment has fallen by 17 per cent over the past year, from 1,711 to 1,428, while those waiting to begin treatment has dropped from 1,677 to 1,255.

Despite this progress, average waiting times have increased, with children waiting 29 weeks on average for an initial assessment, while treatment waits have risen by 1.5 weeks.

CAMHS said demand continues to exceed capacity, with 409 staff in post compared with a planned workforce of 466, leaving a gap of 57 roles.

Richard Brown, managing director of Hampshire CAMHS, said: “We know that children and families experience long waiting lists, and that period of waiting is very difficult for them.

“We are very proud of the fact that there are fewer children waiting at CAMHS than there were last year. Whilst we are very proud of that, we know there is still lots to do.”

The service said children are prioritised based on their needs, with families given advice and support while they wait.

It is also working to improve ADHD support and make it easier for families to access help.