Mental health conditions affect us all. In 2024, there were over 800,000 children and young people in England who had accessed mental health services.

That’s why it is important to mark Children’s Mental Health Week – to raise awareness of the impacts that mental health has on our children and young people, and how we can support them.

Under the last Conservative Government, children and young people with mental health conditions were let down. An independent investigation in September 2024 found that 50,000 people had been waiting for over a year for NHS England mental health services – 80% of whom were young people.

To tackle this crisis, the Labour Government will provide access to mental health professionals in every school, recruit an additional 8,500 mental health professionals, and introduce Young Futures Hubs to every community.

These measures will bring down waiting lists, increase earlier intervention, and ensure that young people are properly supported when facing mental health conditions, so that they can achieve and thrive.

In addition, the October Budget confirmed an additional £69 million to continue the delivery of family hubs in 2025, providing accessible support for families.  

Catherine commented:

“This Children’s Mental Health Week, I want to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that every child and young person is properly supported, no matter what they face.

“Mental health conditions are a barrier to opportunity. Our measures will ensure that children and young people have access to the specialist support that they need – at home, at school and in the community.”

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health, you can visit: https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/mental-health in Newcastle and https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1572/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-emotional-wellbeing in North Tyneside.