The recent Children and Young People's Mental Health Conference, hosted online, brought together key stakeholders, advocates and experts to delve into critical issues affecting the mental well-being of young people.
The conference, where Dean Russell MP was the keynote speaker, provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, shedding light on the latest statistics, trends, and initiatives.
Government priorities and progress were discussed, and the conference highlighted the government's commitment to the future provision of mental health support for Children and Young People (CYP). Progress since the 2021 Mental Health Act Reform was outlined, emphasising the dedication to evolving with the needs of the youth.
Successful examples of local partnership working were shared, underscoring the crucial role of early support hubs in promoting and maintaining CYP wellbeing. These hubs serve as essential resources, offering a range of services such as group work, counseling, and LGBTQ+ support groups.
Valuable insights into new funding initiatives aimed at delivering wrap-around trauma-informed care to young people with complex needs were discussed. This funding represents a significant step towards enhancing the support available for those requiring specialized care and attention.
Specific attention was given to tackling health inequalities, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and those in care. The importance of early intervention training in schools was emphasised to better identify and address the unique challenges faced by these groups, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Dean said, ‘This conference reaffirms the need for collective action to prioritise and enhance mental health support for our children and young people. As Co-Chair of the Mental Health APPG, I remain committed to driving positive change and ensuring that mental health receives the attention it deserves. Together, we can build a comprehensive support system that nurtures the well-being of our future generations’.
Government Events thanks MP Dean Russell for taking the time out of his schedule to speak at The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services Conference 2023. As Co-chair of the APPG for Mental Health, it was great to share the latest Government insight on improving outcomes for young people. Delegates enjoyed the “range of speakers and an opportunity to hear updates from an MP”. The event was a great success.
