The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend funding for 24 Early Support Hubs but warned that short-term renewals do not constitute a national prevention strategy.
Responding to the announcement by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, BABCP said the £7 million extension provides important stability for existing services. However, with youth mental health need at record levels, 24 hubs across more than 150 local authority areas cannot meet demand across England.
Around one in five children and young people in England have a probable mental disorder, with more than 500,000 currently on NHS waiting lists. In 2023/24, 78,577 young people waited over a year for treatment-up 52% on the previous year- with 59% reporting their mental health deteriorated while waiting.*
BABCP said Early Support Hubs can play a valuable role in early intervention – but only if psychological support delivered within them is evidence-based and aligned with NICE guidance**. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended as a first-line treatment for a range of common mental health conditions and should be delivered by appropriately trained and BABCP- accredited or registered practitioners.
Rebecca Light, BABCP’s Chief Accreditation Officer and Registrar, said: “Extending funding is welcome, but prevention cannot be built on annual renewals and limited coverage. If we are serious about reducing waiting lists, improving school attendance and supporting young people into education and work, early support must include consistent access to evidence-based therapy delivered by a properly trained workforce.”
BABCP has written to the Health Secretary highlighting growing evidence that youth mental health is directly linked to education outcomes, employment prospects and long-term economic participation. It is also seeking clarification on Government’s plans for long-term funding and resourcing to ensure children and young people have prompt access to evidence-based treatment such as CBT.
Mental health difficulties are a significant driver of young people becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). Almost 30% of 11–16-year-olds with a probable mental disorder missed a week or more of school last year, compared to 10% of peers without a condition. Among 18–24-year-olds in employment, 35% reported taking time off due to poor mental health or stress. Research also shows prolonged NEET status is associated with higher long-term risks of hospitalisation and mortality.
With only 24 hubs currently operating across more than 150 local authority areas in England, BABCP warned that prevention remains geographically limited.
The organisation is calling for:
- A national commitment to a hub in every local authority area
- Sustainable commissioning beyond short-term grant cycles
- Guaranteed access to high-quality evidence-based therapies, such as CBT, delivered by BABCP-accredited or registered practitioners
- Stronger alignment between youth mental health policy and employment strategy
BABCP said youth mental health provision must be embedded within the Government’s long-term workforce and prevention plans if it is to reduce pressure on NHS services and support economic growth.
