MPs to examine progress in children’s mental health services

The inquiry, which is being conducted by the health and social care select committee, will consider measures set out by the government in its 2017 green paper to transform the provision of services and ask how much has been achieved.

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Its launch coincides with the start of children's mental health week today (1 February), which, now in its seventh year, aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

The select committee inquiry will specifically focus on progress in mental health support provision in schools, support on eating disorders and how services are accessed, including the ambition to cut the time taken to receive treatment.

The inquiry will also consider the case for wider reforms to prioritise early intervention and prevention against increasing rates of self-harm and suicide.

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who chairs the committee, said: “How to support young people when they face a mental health crisis can never have been more of a priority than now. Three years ago, as Health Secretary, I initiated reforms of the mental health services offered to children and young people.

"This committee’s inquiry will examine progress made against those ambitions, such as improving access to services and the provision of mental health support in schools. We will be considering the case for wider change to prioritise early intervention, and for those who need inpatient care, looking at how the stress can be reduced. Crucially, we will ask what more can be done to reduce the growing numbers who turn to self-harm or suicide.”

Last week a report by the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, warned that clinically significant mental health conditions among children have risen by 50 per cent in the space of three years.

Meanwhile a survey by debt support organisation Lowell, found that 31 per cent of children in the UK are currently suffering with anxiety, stating that they are constantly worried.

When asked for their top concerns and worries 57 per cent stated schoolwork, whilst almost a quarter stated that they worry about the amount of money their parents/carers have (23 per cent) and the amount of food their parents/careers can afford (15 per cent).