This is an important first step in taking a joined up approach to addressing systemic inequalities in mental health and access to support.
Over the past two decades, psychological distress has been on the rise. Young people today face greater mental health problems than ever before. Yet, many young people face barriers to accessing support when they need it - pushed from one service to another or left on waiting lists while their mental health deteriorates.
This strategy presents an opportunity to build services that centre the needs of young people, rather than the needs of the system. That means listening to young people and designing it with them. This means scaling up what we know already works, rather than starting again from scratch.
Our members, a network of early support hubs up and down the country, have transformed the lives of young people for decades. We look forward to sharing their expertise and insight as this strategy takes shape and working to ensure it delivers lasting change for young people.
