I have recently received a number of e-mails regarding mental health issues in schools.
The mental health and wellbeing of our children is fundamental to ensuring that they are able reap the full benefits of their education and can enjoy their childhood to the fullest. Half of all mental health problems in the UK start by the age of 14. At such a young age, mental health issues can have a lifelong impact and can potentially affect school performance. It is therefore incredibly important that children and young people are provided with the help and support they need to grow up feeling confident about themselves and their future.
Tackling mental health, especially amongst the young, was a particular priority for me during my time working as Minister for Health. I was very proud of my work together with many of my colleagues, funding the “Time to Change” campaign which raised in the region of £16 million between 2011 and 2015. This programme worked to support and empower people to discuss their mental health problems and to tackle the discrimination that many of them faced. Within this programme was a tailored sub-programme specifically designed to help children and young people deal with mental health problems.
I am encouraged that the Prime Minister is seeking to fully address the issue and has announced a comprehensive package of measures to transform support in schools, workplaces and communities. These proposals include an additional £1.4 billion on mental health support for young people by 2020-21.
I know that there is also a focus on strengthening links between schools and local NHS mental health staff. For example, I am aware that the Department for Education is investing £1.5 million in piloting a joint training programme with NHS England for schools and specialist services, to help them work together effectively at the local level. This is being extended to up to 1,200 more schools. I also welcome that every secondary school in the country is to be offered free Mental Health First Aid training. This will enable staff to better spot the signs of mental health problems that young people may face. By 2020 it is expected that every secondary school will have one Mental Health First Aid trained member of staff.
I am also encouraged by proposals for a major review of children and adolescent mental health services across the country, led by the CQC. This will be followed by a new Green Paper on the issue. The Department of Education also plans to pilot preventative measures to mental health promotion and prevention in select schools.
Throughout last year I received a number of complaints from constituents directed towards CAMHS in Nottinghamshire. I have been working with the CQC to improve children’s mental health services locally and am happy to see improvements are being made. A multi-million pound new facility with over 30 beds will be completed this year but there is still more that can be done to ensure that children and young people with poor mental health receive the treatment and the support that they need.
It is essential that as a society we seek true parity for mental and physical health and I believe that the Prime Minister’s proposals will ensure young people receive the right care in the right place and when they need it most.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.