Driving real change for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
- Children, young people and families
- Mental health
There have been many reports and increasing political commentary regarding the decline in the overall wellbeing of children and young people across the country.
For example, the most recent Good Childhood Report indicated that the UK has the lowest average life satisfaction among 15-year-olds of 27 countries in Europe, and the demand for children and young people's mental health services is greater than ever – between November 2019 and November 2023, there was 93 per cent increase in contacts with children and young people's mental health services.
The Labour Party manifesto committed to improving services for children and young people, proclaiming that 'nothing says more about the state of a nation than the wellbeing of its children'.
Following this, the government published the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and a forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy will aim to reduce and alleviate child poverty and improve children's lives and life chances.
Both, therefore, present opportunities to tackle some of the challenges faced by children and young people.
The BPS policy and public affairs team are keen to disseminate member intel and top level, evidence-based policy recommendations to inform these developments.
As such, to enhance our engagement with stakeholders, this roundtable will allow members to share views on what an ambitious vision for driving real and sustainable change for all children and young people's mental health and wellbeing looks like.
During the discussion, the aim is to determine the key enablers and levers for all stakeholders to overcome barriers and address systemic challenges.
Who is the event for?
This roundtable is for BPS members only, particularly those who work or have worked with children and young people services and schools.
How to take part
The roundtable will be taking place online via Microsoft Teams.
If you would be interested in attending the roundtable, please email [email protected] by Wednesday 15 January.