Referral rates to specialist children and young people's mental health services have increased significantly over recent years and have continued to increase during the pandemic, especially in relation to eating disorders.

Looking at the current rise in demand for services suggests that an additional 500,000 children and young people under the age of 18 will require mental health support and care as a direct result of the impact of the pandemic. We need to make sure that problems do not become entrenched. We must consider how the system works to prevent mental health issues, while ensuring support is delivered to those who need specialist care.

Looking beyond the NHS, this session will consider the health and care system as a whole, and will explore how we can support children and young people's mental health, in a forward-thinking discussion on the support and services that need to be in place to protect the younger population so they are able to live healthy, happy lives.