In a significant move aimed at improving the mental well-being of children and young adults, the UK Government has announced an investment of nearly £5m to establish early mental health support hubs nationwide.
The initiative seeks to provide timely mental health support for young individuals, ultimately preventing them from reaching crisis points in their mental health struggles.
These open-access hubs, to be located in community settings, will receive government funding to ensure that children and young people can seek help without needing a doctor’s referral or an appointment.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to address mental health conditions early on, as approximately 50% of these conditions manifest before a child turns 14, with 75% emerging by the age of 24.
What mental health support do the hubs provide?
The hubs, offering drop-in services, will provide essential mental health support, including group therapy, counselling, psychological therapies, specialist advice, and guidance on various available resources.
This comprehensive approach aims to equip young individuals with the tools they need to manage their mental well-being effectively.
Maria Caulfield, the Minister for Mental Health, expressed the government’s commitment to providing timely support to young people: “To parents across the nation – I want to assure you we’re working to get your children that vital early support.
“Our funding will help hubs to hire counsellors, youth workers, and other local experts. It comes on top of an extra £2.3bn a year to transform NHS mental health services and help millions of people.”
The newly funded hubs will cater to individuals aged 11 to 25 and will be accessible to those who may not meet the threshold for NHS mental health support.
They will provide a physical space where young people can seek help as soon as their mental health issues emerge, aiming to prevent the development of enduring conditions.
Currently, approximately 60 early mental health support hubs operate across the UK, managed by a variety of local services, including volunteer organisations, local NHS trusts, and local authorities.
The £4.92m investment will empower ten existing hubs to expand their services locally and recruit new staff, such as counsellors and youth workers. The specific hubs benefiting from this funding will be announced soon.
Dr Alex George, the government’s Youth Mental Health Ambassador, said: “Early intervention in mental health is paramount, and today’s announcement of additional funding for early support hubs across the country is a milestone to be celebrated.
“No child or young person experiencing trauma should reach crisis point, and nobody should endure the enormous tragedy of losing a loved one to mental illness. We have to make sure the support is there as early as possible.
“That is why I will keep working with the government to ensure every child and young adult knows they have somewhere to go when they feel lost, overwhelmed or down.”
Improving overall care for young people
These early support hubs are not limited to addressing mental health alone. They also offer guidance on various issues affecting young people, including sexual health, exam-related stress, employment, substance abuse, financial concerns, and more.
Alongside the establishment of these new hubs, the government will conduct an evaluation of the impact of this funding on local children and young people.
This assessment aims to ensure that young individuals receive the best possible care and further reinforce the evidence base supporting early intervention and prevention in mental health.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that no child or young person reaches a mental health crisis point and that they have access to the necessary support when they need it most.
