The UK government announced last week that almost a million more young people will have access to a mental health support team (MHST) in school.
Lynn Perry said:
“With the mental health of so many children at crisis point, we welcome the government’s announcement that 900,000 more children will now have access to a Mental Health Support Team by April 2026. However, this still leaves four in 10 children without support - and some will be at risk of becoming increasingly unwell whilst on a waiting list for overstretched NHS services.
“Barnardo’s is proud to provide mental health support in schools across the country and we know this can have a transformative impact for children who are struggling, helping to make school a place that promotes wellbeing and makes everyone feel they can belong.
“We know that poor mental health can hold children back at school and limit their ability to thrive in adulthood. Although the government has promised a Mental Health Support Team in all schools by 2029/30, we urge ministers to consider a more ambitious timeline Additionally, we must recognise that while vital, Mental Health Support Teams are just part of the solution, and school counsellors are also needed so that children can access the right support at the right time, whilst reducing pressure on the NHS.”