Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

What recent assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the operation of child and adolescent mental health services.

We know that some children and young people have found this period difficult for their mental health and we are absolutely committed to ensuring they have access to the right support.

Children and young people’s community and specialist mental health services have remained open throughout the pandemic and continue to offer support using digital and remote approaches while maintaining face to face appointments where appropriate.

All mental health trusts have made available 24 hours a day, seven days a week all age urgent mental health helplines so children and young people in crisis can get urgent help when they need it.