As part of its independent review of services that support children and young people’s mental health, the Care Quality Commission has published its report ‘Are we listening? Review of children and young people’s mental health services’.
The report found that too many children and young people find themselves at ‘crisis point’ before accessing mental health services because health care, education and other public services are not working together as effectively as they could to protect and support their best interests.
The Care Quality Commission is now calling for national action to ensure local services work together to support children and young people’s mental health needs.
Responding to the report, Imelda Redmond, Healthwatch England’s National Director, said:
“Mental health and the support available is one of the key issues people raise with Healthwatch, with the care for children and young people a common area of concern.
“CQC’s report highlights the measures that have already been put in place to improve the situation, but also challenges the Government and the wider health and care sector to go even further and work together to make young people’s mental health a top priority.
“All across the country our local staff and volunteers are working with young people and their families to help design the services they want, and it’s great to see the CQC encouraging more local health, care and education leaders to listen to what people have to say.
“Ultimately the findings of this report and the changes it will set in motion need to improve not just the level of access to services but also the experience of receiving care. To know if this is being achieved it is vital that feedback from patients is encouraged.
“If you have a view about the care in your area, or want to share an idea of how you think things could be improved, Healthwatch in your area is here to help. We also want to hear from people who aren’t getting the help they need so we can hold those in charge to account.”