In 2020 the education policy institute found that 26% of NHS’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) referrals were being rejected, with some of those accepted still waiting as long as 6 months for support. Underfunding seems to be a common theme in reports, with NHS clinical commissioning groups spending just 6% of their mental health budget on children.

Lack of funding has a holistic impact on school based intervention. From understaffing causing prolonged wait times and rejected referrals, to restrictions in transportation meaning those in further out and more disadvantaged districts may struggle to make appointments, giving schools even more responsibility.

The ideal solution would be to provide additional funding and support to early intervention specialists, however restrictions include:

The priority for all early intervention professionals is to look for ways around these barriers, whilst still advocating for additional services and funding.

Waiting for mental health reforms, and additional funding to become available will not be a solution for many of the current one in six young people with a probable mental health disorder. So we have provided a list of external support that can help young people, now.

 

External Resources and organisations for supporting young people through their mental health journey

Childline

For adults: Childline offer an education platform for the safeguarding of young people. This includes resources on understanding policies, providing training and courses for individuals and schools, and consultancy for an array of young peoples needs.

For young people: In addition to their support line, Childline also provide tips and strategies for day to day coping via their toolbox.

They also have information and advice for young people for everything from school to home life, and a quick exit option to give young people the opportunity to exit the website quickly if they are at risk.

Youth Access

Youth Access are a counselling network, linking young people to free counselling services across the UK.

Young people can type in their postcode, and find useful, relevant and free services in their local area.

They also provide resources for mental health professionals to enhance the qualities of their services, from studies to insight.

Find local counselling services:
https://www.youthaccess.org.uk

YoungMinds

From campaigning for additional early support hubs and advising on funding applications, to support in noticing symptoms and better understanding medications. YoungMinds are on a mission to support young people with their mental health, as soon as they need it.

YoungMind’s 360° Schools hub provides schools with full support, from commissioners and senior leaders, right through to teachers and students. They provide advice, resources, case studies and training to give schools a boost in their mental wellbeing.

https://youngminds.org.uk/donate/

Anna Freud

A mental health charity with a mission to provide exceptional support to young people and their families. They provide many tools, research and training to ensure the greatest possible impact on the mental health of young people.

They also run ‘Schools in Mind’, evidence based, and accessible insight into the positive outcomes of good mental health practices, aimed at education professionals.

https://www.annafreud.org/

 

How we can help

Our mission is to provide grants that will place a mental health professional into secondary schools.

These professionals will work with the school to create wellbeing and early intervention strategies to better support students.

We are continually researching and understanding the current issues apparent in young people’s mental health, and will advocate and campaign for solutions that address these issues.

Any school can apply for a grant. Submissions only take 5 minutes to complete, so get in touch to begin your application.