‘Children shouldn’t have to reach crisis point before they get support’ councillors call for earlier mental health help for children in Milton Keynes
Liberal Democrat councillors are calling for earlier mental health support for children in Milton Keynes, warning that too many are being left to struggle without help.
It’s estimated that nearly 13,000 children and young people in the city are living with a diagnosable mental health condition, according to Liberal Democrat councillors. While nationally, around one in five children are struggling with their mental health.
Local councillors say families in Milton Keynes are having to endure long waiting times for support through GPs and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Many children are told they don’t meet the threshold for help and can wait months for assessments, often receiving little or no help in the meantime.
Mental health services are run by the NHS through the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB). But councillors say the City Council still has an important role in working with schools, health services and local charities to improve early support and help families access the help they need sooner.
Liberal Democrat councillors are bringing a motion to Full Council this week, to push for more better mental health support for children. The motion follows a key commitment in this year’s local election manifesto to introduce a city-wide mental health strategy.
Shenley Brook End Councillor Saleena Raja, said: “From my own experience I know how challenging it is and even now, parents are telling us the same story again and again. They know their child is struggling, but they’re stuck waiting with no help. Children shouldn’t have to reach crisis point before they get support.
“Early help can stop problems getting worse. It’s better for children, better for families and better for public services.”
The motion calls on the Leader of the City Council to ask the BLMK Integrated Care Board to explore more funding opportunities, including grants to improve early intervention for children aged 8-12.
If the motion is passed, the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will look into data around: current waiting times and who qualifies for support, better short-term help while children wait for assessments, opportunities to expand early intervention and clearer guidance on how to get help.
Stronger collaboration between mental health support services, families, schools and further organisations will also be reviewed.
This year, Lib Dem councillors awarded £2,152 from their ward budgets to Arthur Ellis - a charity which provides early intervention sessions and wellbeing support for young people in Milton Keynes.
Councillor Duncan Banks, added: “We’ve already backed charities like Arthur Ellis because early intervention works. But we need a proper, joined up, city-wide approach.
“As Milton Keynes continues to grow, our mental health support must grow with it. No child should fall through the gaps.”
The motion will be debated at Full Council on Wednesday March, 18.
The MK Wellbeing Service provides support for young people aged between 7 and 18, or up to 25 if the young person has care experience or special educational needs and disabilities. You can find out more information on the support they provide through the website link.