Written evidence by Miss Jenna Worth (CYM0041)

Education Committee

Children and Young People's Mental Health

What measures are needed to tackle increasing rates of children and young people deteriorating to the point of A&E attendance or acute admission?

More funding to increase early intervention services, more investment is needed in early mental health support in schools, community services and primary care so that issues are identified and treated before they worsen.

Improve access to specialist services and reduce waiting times- increasing staff and reducing waiting lists would prevent escalation.

Schools should have trained mental health staff, counsellors and wellbeing support to identify and support young people early.

What factors are driving recent trends in children and young people’s mental health, and how have changes in service thresholds influenced both the presentation of need and access to early support? 

Social media and digital pressures linking to anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep disruption.

School pressures and school environment unsuitable for many children who are neurodiverse contributing to anxiety and depression in young people.

Impact of covid 19 pandemic- isolation, disruption to education and reduced social interaction.

In many areas mental health services have raised thresholds due to limited resources resulting in problems escalating before support is provided and more young people presenting in crisis.

What does good practice look like in general practice with regard to children and young people’s mental health? 

Early identification, holistic care and appropriate referrals.

Early recognition and screening- assess emotional wellbeing during consultations with young people particularly when physical symptoms may have psychological causes.

Taking a holistic perspective considering family situation, school, physical health and social circumstances.

Early referral and sign posting to counselling and community mental health services.

Working in collaboration with other services to ensure coordinated care,

April 2026