We have brought together a range of stakeholders, people with lived experience, researchers, and experts in mental health, to independently develop a series of think pieces exploring children's mental health and provide an opportunity to think differently about what children and young people need to live well.
The rise of mental health needs among children and young people has been well documented over the past decade with pressures seemingly increasing year on year. While much data and narrative reflect the number of children being referred to health services for mental health support, councils are also seeing more and more young people requiring urgent help.
These series of think pieces have been developed independently providing an opportunity for the LGA itself to reflect on what it wants to see in terms of mental health reform, and what councils can do to help create a society that reduces the need for young people and families to turn to acute health services for mental health support.
Think pieces from individual contributors can be found below, with new pieces added over the coming weeks.
