Mind responds to Look Ahead report highlighting the gaps in young people’s mental health crisis care

Today (Wednesday 18 January 2023) Look Ahead care support and housing, published a report which highlighted the gaps in young people’s mental health crisis care. The research gathered interviews from professionals, young people, their families and carers, in order to shed light on the challenges in the current system.

Responding to the report, Gemma Bryne, Policy and Campaigns Manager said:

“Our mental health system is failing too many young people who are seeking help because the NHS doesn’t have the capacity to treat them. The result is thousands of young people left without the support they need, impacting their education, relationships with family and friends and their futures. The UK Government faces a stark choice – invest in mental health services now or let down an entire generation.

“With high thresholds for accessing support from NHS mental health services and long waiting lists, young people are often left to fall between the gaps in support. For many, this means their mental health gets worse before they are able to get help.  That is why Mind has been campaigning for the UK Government to invest in a network of hubs for 11–25-year-olds across England where young people can get help when they first need it, rather than being left to reach crisis point. We’re also calling for a reformed Mental Health Act, including a duty on ICSs to commission better support in the community, including for young people with complex needs”