We’re calling for child-led mental health care to be available in all schools and primary care settings, with the opportunity for children to access remote mental health support for those who need it.
Mental health issues in children and young people are increasing at a rapid rate, and the support they're currently receiving is inadequate both in terms of what's being offered to them and the time they're spending on waiting lists. This has a detrimental effect on their future, and puts further pressure on health, care, and education services.
We’re calling for child-led mental health care to be available in all schools and primary care settings, with the opportunity for children to access remote mental health support for those who need it (such as children in care, forgotten children, and those in nomadic communities). One of the key areas to address is the ‘missing middle’ – children who are presenting with issues too complex for low intensity mental health support, such as Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners or Educational Mental Health Practitioners but aren’t considered “unwell enough” for Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
In 2022, 18% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder. (NHS Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2022)
Just over one in three children and young people with a diagnosable mental health condition get access to NHS care and treatment. (NHS)
We have a selection of resources available that you can download and share.
