We call on the UK Parliament to urgently review the state of children’s mental health services (CAMHS) and provide increased funding and support for schools

Children and young people across the UK are being failed by an overstretched and underfunded mental health system. Many families face long waiting times for CAMHS assessments and treatment, leaving children without the vital support they need during critical stages of development. In schools, staff are doing their best with limited resources, but too many pupils are falling through the cracks—struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and other issues that go unaddressed due to lack of funding, time, and trained professionals.

If things do not change, we risk a generation of children growing up without proper mental health care or early intervention, leading to worsening outcomes in education, wellbeing, and long-term health. However, by investing in CAMHS and providing greater funding and training for schools, we can give children the right support at the right time—helping them to thrive, learn, and build healthy futures. The benefits of action extend far beyond individual families, strengthening our communities and relieving pressure on the wider NHS.

The situation is urgent. Demand for children’s mental health support has risen dramatically, yet services have not kept pace. Schools and families are at breaking point, and every delay leaves more children in distress. The Government must act now to review CAMHS provision, ensure fair and timely access to care, and provide the funding and support schools need to safeguard pupils’ mental health. Our children cannot afford to wait any longer.