DAMNING new figures have revealed a huge increase in young people being referred to mental health services in Scotland.

The stats show a 31.7 per cent increase in referrals in Scotland since 2013, with more than 35,000 children and teens seeking help last year.

The figures, obtained by the Daily Record via a freedom of information request, come amid growing warnings about a mental health crisis in Scotland.

Earlier this year, NHS analysis showed a 15 per cent increase in suicides with a 50 per cent jump among 15-24 year olds.

And just last week, the annual Scottish health survey found almost one in five adults showed signs of mental illness, the highest figure in the survey’s history.

Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour’s shadow health secretary, said: “Far too many young people are still being failed, and it’s just not good enough.

“The health secretary must get to grips with this crisis and ensure our young people get help when they need it.”

A Scottish government spokesman said that the increased figures is a sign of reduced stigma and more people coming forward for support.

Demands were also made today for the government to improve suicide prevention in Scotland.

The first report from the national suicide prevention leadership group (NSPLG), which was set up last year, made 11 recommendations to the Scottish government and local authority body, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

They include funding a pilot scheme aimed at helping those bereaved by suicide and multi-agency reviews into the suicides of those in prison, police custody or the care system.