My son is nearly 14 years old and has been waiting for help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for three years. He's been struggling with his mental health since primary school. Over the years, I've heard the same excuse over and over again: "There is no funding." Despite all my efforts — countless emails, phone calls, meetings — he is still being failed by the system that's supposed to help him. An Educational Psychologist has assessed my son and found signs of anxiety and autism, yet we are still told to wait.

Sadly, my son's story is not unique. Thousands of children across the UK face the same challenges, with families left helpless and children suffering needlessly. CAMHS is designed to support children and young people experiencing mental health issues, but the long waiting times for assessment and treatment mean that many are left without the help they desperately need.

The core issue lies in how CAMHS is commissioned and funded by local authorities. Many local authorities struggle to provide timely and effective services due to inadequate funding and resources, which directly impacts the children and young people who rely on these services. According to Young Minds, 83% of families have tried to get mental health support for their child in the last year, but have faced barriers such as lengthy waiting times and limited access to specialists. This is not just a statistic; it is the reality for families across the nation.

We urgently need the UK Government to review and reform how CAMHS is commissioned and funded. This involves ensuring adequate funding is available to local authorities to meet the demand, reducing waiting times, and improving access to qualified mental health professionals. Only with a recalibrated system can we hope to address the mental health crisis among our youth effectively.

By signing this petition, you can urge the government to prioritize the mental well-being of our children and ensure they receive the timely support they need. This needs to be addressed now to prevent further suffering and ensure a brighter future for all affected children.

Please join us in calling for a review and reform of CAMHS commissioning and funding. Sign the petition today to make a difference.