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A 2022 survey by NHS Digital found that 18% of children aged 7 to 16 had a probable mental disorder, up from 12.1% in 2017. Among young people aged 17 to 19, the rates of probable mental disorder increased from 10.1% in 2017 to 25.7% in 2022. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren’t getting the help they need. The Children & Young People's Mental Health Coalition highlight that public health budgets have seen real term reductions of 26% since 2015/2016. Over the years there has also been a steady decline in the number of health visitors, with a reduction of 40% from 2015 to 2023, according to the Institute of Health Visiting. With three in four mental illnesses starting in childhood, and mental health disorders being the leading cause of child disability, investing in effective and responsive Children and Young People's/Adolescent Mental Health Services (CYPMHS/CAMHS) is of paramount importance.
Programme
- Consider the contours and contents of a future long-term plan for improving children and young people’s mental health
- Address challenges in the infants, children, and young people’s mental health workforce, including tackling staff and skills shortages and widening access to training
- Discuss the implementation of whole education approaches to mental health and wellbeing in schools, colleges, and universities
- Understand the effect of social media on young people’s mental health and examine ways to reduce isolation and loneliness and create greater connection, empathy and understanding among children and young people within and outside of digital spaces
- Discuss ways to reduce health inequalities through the effective utilisation of resources and ensure dedicated support for marginalised and excluded groups
- Develop strategies to deliver consistent care and smooth transition pathways into adult services
- Examine whole family approaches to mental health and understand how to engage effectively with parents and carers to identify and support children with mental health issues at an early stage
- Examine ways to tackle out of area placements, reduce wait times and ensure swift and early access to support before children and young people reach crisis point, including through greater access to community-based and school support
- Review successful public campaigns tackling mental health stigma and raising awareness
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