Mental health leaders call for more investment in school-based mental health support

09 February 2024

In a joint letter to Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Place2Be and leaders from across the mental health, children's and education sector call for long-term, sustainable investment in school-based support. See the coverage, and read the full letter and list of signatories, below.

Plastic container with 6 pencils inside

Dear Secretary of State,

One in 5 children and young people face a probable mental health condition, a continuing rise.

A recent YouGov survey found that over 50% of children face barriers from seeking mental health support, despite struggling, because they are embarrassed, fearful or will not turn to someone they do not know.

Around half of mental health conditions develop by the age of 14, so supporting children early on is vital. Yet only 8% of NHS mental health spending goes on children’s services. The Government’s school-based Mental Health Support Teams will only reach 50% of pupils by 2025.

Place2Be, alongside other leading organisations, has worked in schools and supported children for decades, providing them with a safe place to be themselves, where they can talk in confidence with a trusted, trained mental health professional. This equips them to manage their emotional challenges and feel connected. They are also more likely to stay in education.

It is not just children who benefit. School-based mental health support relieves pressure on parents, school staff and the NHS and is proven to be cost-effective.

This Children’s Mental Health Week we must listen to young people and commit to long-term, sustainable investment in school-based support. Young people are counting on us.

Catherine Roche, CEO, Place2Be

Michael Samuel MBE, Chair, Anna Freud

Kathy Roberts, Chief Executive, Association of Mental Health Providers

Lynn Perry, CEO, Barnardos

Dr Souci Frissa, CEO, Black Thrive Global

Peter Leonard, Chief Executive, The Centre for Emotional Health 

Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Chair, The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

Jack Reynolds, Chief Executive, Football Beyond Borders

Julie Muir, Executive Director for Recovery, Forward Trust

Jacqui Dennaford, Chief Officer, Joe’s Buddy Line

Rebecca Gray, CEO, Maudsley Charity

Simon Blake, Chief Executive, Mental Health First Aid England