Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed government funding to expand an early support hub delivering mental health services for children and young people in Wolverhampton. The hub, operated by Base 25 in Temple Street, will provide early, open-access mental health support to young people who are aged between 11 and 25 years old, one of the most at risk audience groups. This means that children and young people experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress will have a physical space to go to in Wolverhampton when their problems first emerge, without the need for a referral.
Stuart said that he is delighted with the extra investment, having spoken about his own struggles with mental health in the past following the life-changing injuries that he sustained as a result of his time in the Army. He is pleased that the hub will be open for all young people - without the need for a referral by a doctor or school, offering mental health support and advice. The services provided will include group work, counselling, psychological therapies, specialist advice, and signposting to information and other support services.
Wolverhampton will be one of 24 hubs to receive a share of almost £8 million to help young people get support with their mental health at an earlier stage. The intervention is based on evidence that access to early support can help to prevent children and young adults from developing enduring conditions that can have devastating long-term impacts on their lives and life chances, as well as the lives of their loved ones. The hub means that the City of Wolverhampton is part of a network of 70 early support hubs across the country, offering advice on issues that affect a young person’s mental health, including sexual health, exam worries, jobs, drugs, alcohol, and financial worries.
The Government is already investing at least an additional £2.3 billion a year by March, allowing an extra 345,000 more children and young people to get the National Health Service-funded mental health support that they need. There are now almost 400 mental health support teams in place in schools and colleges across England so that more young people get mental health support. Mental health support teams now cover over three million children or around 35% of pupils in schools and colleges. The Government is aiming to increase this to 50% by April 2025.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “Life-changing injuries sustained during my time in the Army left me with hidden scars which were not addressed for years. Seeking support for mental health was one of the best things I did in my road to recovery, which is why I am delighted that Wolverhampton is being equipped with this extra funding to deliver open-access, early intervention for young people experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress. The funding ensures that they have a physical space to go to when their problems first emerge, without the need for a referral - making it easier to access the support.”
Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “This government is taking the long-term decisions needed to make our healthcare system faster, simpler and fairer. Mental health support for our young people is a key part of that. No child or young person should suffer alone, and this additional funding for 24 mental health hubs will improve access and bring in more staff and experts who can help those who need it the most. This will build on the brilliant work they already do, and supports our ongoing work to make sure every person has access the highest quality mental health services.”