While we support the Government鈥檚 commitment to enhancing community-based support for young people, we鈥檙e disappointed about key aspects of the new strategy.听

We鈥檙e worried that its approach to Young Future Hubs risks falling short of meeting young people鈥檚 mental health needs.听

Revised approach to mental health support听

Despite initial promises of a robust mental health focus, the revised plans now emphasise 鈥榚arly wellbeing advice鈥� and signposting, rather than providing the ongoing, qualified, professional mental health support that was originally planned.听

Lack of clarity on workforce training

We鈥檙e concerned that the hubs are relying heavily on youth workers to support young people鈥檚 mental health but haven't explained what level of training they鈥檒l receive.听听

Relying on these workers for mental health support is simply not sufficient for young people with moderate or ongoing psychological difficulties.听听

These young people, often referred to as the 鈥渕issing middle鈥�, need sustained, specialist care from qualified counsellors and psychotherapists with the training, supervision and professional standards to provide ongoing interventions and support.听

Reduced funding adds to concern听

We鈥檙e also disappointed that funding for Young Futures Hubs has been reduced from the originally pledged 拢95 million to 拢70 million. This raises questions about how the hubs will be able to deliver on their intended role within communities.听

Age limits could exclude those who need support most听

If the hubs鈥� upper age limit remains at 18, a significant number of young people will be left without support at a crucial time. We would recommend this to be extended to 21 or ideally 25, ensuring continuity for those moving from CAMHS to adult services or navigating major life transitions.听

Prioritising professional mental health is key听听

Jo Holmes, 麻豆原创 Designated Safeguarding Lead said:听

鈥淲hile the renewed government focus on youth services is a step in the right direction, we know there is a real risk that mental health support may be weakened rather than strengthened within the new system.听

鈥淔or a generation facing rising anxiety, self-harm and emotional distress, access to qualified, ongoing and professional psychological support must remain at the heart of any youth strategy. We urge the Government to call on the trained yet underutilised counselling workforce to meet this need.听听

鈥淎s mental health organisations, policymakers and communities work to build these hubs, it is essential that young people鈥檚 needs guide the design鈥攏ot budget constraints or minimal thresholds of provision.听

鈥淚f implemented with the right expertise, Young Futures Hubs could become a vital anchor for young people navigating an increasingly complex world. But without prioritising professional mental health care, this opportunity may fall short.鈥�听