Home
News
Government announces earlier mental health support for children, with help available before diagnosis

Government announces earlier mental health support for children, with help available before diagnosis

Children could get mental health, ADHD and autism support sooner, with more help in schools and a new focus on early intervention.

10'000 Hours/Getty Images

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: October 9, 2026 at 12:01 AM

Save

Children struggling with their mental health could soon get help earlier, without having to wait for a formal diagnosis, under new Government plans to overhaul support for children and young people.

Announced on 9 October, the proposals include more mental health support in schools, colleges and local communities, alongside a renewed focus on early intervention and helping children before difficulties escalate.

The changes follow a major independent review which found that mental distress among children and young people has risen substantially, with social media, financial pressures, poor sleep and worries about the future among the contributing factors.

What is changing for children and young people's mental health support?

The Government has pledged to move towards a system where children and young people can access help based on their individual needs, rather than having to wait for a clinical diagnosis before receiving support.

The aim is to make help available earlier, reduce long waiting times and prevent children from reaching crisis point.

Key commitments include:

Earlier mental health support: Children and young people will be able to access more advice and support without first needing a formal diagnosis.
More help in schools and colleges: The Government wants education settings to play a greater role in identifying difficulties and supporting children early.
Better access to ADHD and autism support: Families should be able to receive appropriate help before and after diagnosis, while clinical assessments remain available where needed.
Shorter waits for support: NHS leaders have been asked to urgently examine how people can access advice, assessments and treatment more easily.
More support in local communities: The plans aim to make it easier for children and families to get help closer to home.

The commitments will form part of a new Mental Health Strategy, expected to be published in the coming months. Details of how the changes will work in practice have not yet been confirmed.

What does this mean for babies, toddlers and younger children?

One of the most significant shifts is the Government's commitment to providing support at the earliest opportunity, rather than waiting until a child has received a diagnosis.

For parents of younger children who are concerned about their child's development, behaviour or emotional wellbeing, this could mean a system that places greater emphasis on identifying needs and offering appropriate support sooner.

However, the announcement does not set out a separate package of measures specifically for babies, toddlers or nursery-aged children, or confirm new early years services.

Instead, the Government has committed to a broader approach to early intervention across childhood, with further details expected in its forthcoming strategy.

Schools to receive support through £4 billion SEND package

The mental health reforms will sit alongside a new £4 billion Government package to improve support for children with special educational needs (SEND).

According to the announcement, the funding will help schools become more inclusive and make specialist support more accessible.

The package includes:

Improving inclusion in mainstream schools so more children with additional needs can be supported.
Widening access to specialist support for pupils who need extra help.
Rolling out training for every teacher to better support children with special educational needs.

The Government says six million pupils can already access NHS mental health support in schools, with plans to build on existing services.

The wider aim is to help children remain engaged in education, receive appropriate support and avoid difficulties escalating unnecessarily.

What is changing for children awaiting ADHD or autism assessments?

The independent review, chaired by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, found that referrals and diagnoses for ADHD and autism have increased significantly, although the underlying prevalence of these conditions across the population appears broadly stable.

A central recommendation is that diagnosis should no longer be the only route to getting help.

Professor Fonagy explained that the current system can leave families dependent on obtaining a diagnosis before accessing support.

Diagnosis remains essential and must be protected - what has to change is that it is no longer the only door through which help can be reached.

Professor Peter Fonagy, Chair of the Independent Review

The Government also plans to strengthen oversight of ADHD and autism assessments, working towards making all diagnostic assessments subject to Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulation, including those carried out by private providers.

Why is the Government making these changes?

The review identified a substantial increase in mental distress among young people, linked to a combination of social, economic and lifestyle pressures.

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the findings demonstrated the need for earlier intervention, particularly to help young people remain in education and employment.

Mental health charity Mind has welcomed the commitment to earlier support.

Its chief executive, Dr Sarah Hughes, said:

Young people are growing up in a challenging world and it’s no surprise that more are struggling with their mental health.

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind

When will the changes happen?

The Government has not yet confirmed when families will see the proposed changes or exactly how access to support will work.

Further details are expected in the new Mental Health Strategy in the coming months.

For now, the central commitment is that children and young people should be able to get the help they need earlier, without a diagnosis becoming an unnecessary barrier to support.

Read more:

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.