A PIONEERING new unit that leads the way in treating children with mental health problems has opened in Bolton.

And as the £750,000 unit was launched at the Royal Bolton Hospital, it was revealed that children as young as 12 are being treated for depression in Bolton.

So far this year, 76 have attempted suicide.

Almost 1,000 children suffer from a mental illness and the figures reveal teenagers are being put on anti depressants and given psychiatric counselling.

Doctors at the hospital are treating an increasing tide of youngsters suffering from the stresses of modern day living.

Some babies are referred to the unit even before they are born, in cases where it is thought there may be some tendency towards a mental illness.

Last year, 80 babies and toddlers were referred and 401 children aged from five to 10.

Consultant in child mental health Dr Frank Bowman said clinical depression was not recognised in children 10 years ago.

Now, the Minerva Road unit is dealing with 475 children aged between 11 and 15 who are suffering some form of mental illness.

Of these, 43 are undergoing new behaviour therapy to combat depression.

Dr Bowman said: "It is not that there is a growing problem, more that depression is now becoming more recognised among the medical profession. Ten years ago, it was not even thought that children could suffer from depression. Now it is a big part of what we have to offer."

Children can become depressed following life-changing events such as bereavement or being bullied at school.

Their depression follows the same pattern as adult mental illness, according to Bolton's clinical psychologist, Vicki Hamilton.

She said: "Children have the same emotional problems as adults. This has not really been widely recognised before.

"If undetected, they can struggle at school, have no friends and are unable to follow a career path. Some attempt to take their own life.

"Hopefully, at the end of their treatment, they can become functional human beings again."

Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon officially launched the new-look service yesterday. It will now combine community mental health with the hospital approach.

The centre provides modern rooms to help parents and children develop closer relationships and ways to deal with violent mood behaviours and other problems associated with a mental illness.

Mum-of-three Patricia King will be one of the first parents to use it with her autistic son, Scott, aged five. Mrs King, of Bolton, said: "It is very important that parents also have the support to help cope with the mood swings and violent behaviour of the children.

"I am delighted with the service here, so far. I have nothing but praise. The staff have been great and we have already been working on some ideas to improve Scott.

"He is on the autistic spectrum. He has only just been diagnosed, but I have known for years myself. His behaviour has always been violent and difficult, especially towards his siblings. This is a big benefit and Scott loves coming here."

The majority of children referred with mental illness come from the Farnworth, Kearsley, Burnden, Harper Green and Little Lever areas and 27 per cent come from the North-east of Bolton.

In Bolton last year, boys were twice as likely to be referred than girls, with a ratio of 621 to 346. Dr Bowman said: "The service has no waiting list which is virtually unheard of in the NHS. We prioritise in order to give our attention to those who need it urgently."

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