Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Services

Debate between Lord Watson of Invergowrie and Baroness Merron

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I do not have the figures the noble Lord very fairly asks for, but I will certainly ensure that they are provided. He will be aware that Parliament recently passed the Mental Health Act, which updated the Mental Health Act to which he referred. The real issue here is about a move to prevention rather than waiting for crisis. That is our whole direction of change.

[Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Lab)]

My Lords, I join my noble friend in welcoming the excellent report from the Children’s Commissioner this week. In her answer to the noble Baroness, Lady Tyler, my noble friend spoke of the need for early intervention and joined-up support. That is one of the issues mentioned in the Children’s Commissioner’s report. Part of that is highlighting the Young Futures hubs, and I know that the Government are committed to introducing 50 of them for 10 to 18 year-olds by 2029. They have a joined-up approach covering everything from education and mental health support to employment advice and crime prevention advice. Can my noble friend give us some idea about when the rollout of the Young Futures hubs will commence?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The first wave of eight, which my noble friend referred to, is under way. It is backed by £4.2 million of investment. The subsequent 42 Young Futures hubs will be rolled out by March 2029.