Autumn Budget

4th November 2024

Dear Rachel Reeves

At Beyond, we were encouraged to hear of the large NHS investment in your first budget but are concerned that, despite the promises made by Labour’s Manifesto, the mental health of young people has been far from prioritised. 

We believe that the Government needs a bold and ambitious plan to address the crisis we see in young people. This includes investing in a full rollout of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and the establishment of Young Futures Hubs. If not, we fear that young people will yet again be failed.

We invite you to hear first hand what young people and their teachers say about the widening gap between the mental health needs of young people and the resources available to teachers to support them in their educational settings. 

Over 1.3 million young people were referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) in the last school year. That’s a 71% increase in five years (Young Minds). 

Of these 1.3 million referrals we know that approx 325 000 will be rejected. 

‘I Wish You Knew’ is a match funded campaign by youth mental health charity Beyond in partnership with The Big Give. Launching 3-10 December, all funds raised will provide the vital and personalised mental health support in schools that young people need.

Beyond’s Youth Board – a group of young people (some of whom feature in the film) aged 10-25 years old – would be grateful for some time with you to share their concerns. Please let us know if you can accommodate this request. 

Yours sincerely

Louisa Rose

CEO Beyond