More than a third of children and young people in Bracknell have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression – and a similar number have reported low wellbeing or happiness.

That’s according to statistics published by Bracknell Forest Council, which says it will work to improve opportunities for young people in the area.

Some 39 per cent of Bracknell children taking part in an Oxford University-run survey reported “higher symptoms of anxiety and depression,” while 35 per cent reported “low wellbeing.” Some 17 per cent also reported “feeling lonely often”.

Responding to the figures, councillor Megan Wright – responsible for health – said Bracknell Forest Council takes the mental health of children and young people “very seriously,” and would work with other organisations to support them.

She added that the figures are not higher than the national average in the OxWell survey of more than 43,000 school pupils across England carried out in 2023 – although the full results of the survey have not been made public.

Councillor Wright said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people is something we take very seriously.

“The council is working with its partners, the NHS, schools and the voluntary sector, as described in our Health and Wellbeing Board delivery plans, to further support children and young people with their mental wellbeing. Further information on this will be available later this year.”

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Councillor Wright also said that the council is working with groups in Bracknell to relaunch and improve services for children listed on the council’s Community Map.

This is an interactive online map run by Bracknell Forest Council showing the locations of local community groups, events and activities spanning Bracknell, Wokingham and Reading.

Councillor Wright said: “The council has been working with stakeholders to relaunch and improve the opportunities for children in our Community Map.

“There are now around 100 activities to help and support children and young people and we are building on this, working with organisations across the borough. We offer training and are increasing awareness of the Community Map among front line staff and residents.”

The percentage of children in Bracknell reporting signs of depression and unhappiness in the OxWell survey was higher than the national average reported in a similar government survey published last year.

The State of the Nation 2022: Children and Young People’s Wellbeing report found between 18 and 22 per cent of people aged 11-18 reported low wellbeing, 35 per cent reported high anxiousness, and 5.2 per cent felt often or always lonely.

Councillor Wright pointed out that the two surveys can’t be compared as they were carried out at different times.