City councillors call for earlier mental health support for children in Milton Keynes

Nationally, around 1 in 5 children are struggling with their mental health. Across the city, it’s estimated that nearly 13,000 children are living with a diagnosable mental health condition.

Local councillors say families in Milton Keynes are reporting long waits for support through GPs and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Many children are told they don’t meet the threshold for help and can wait months for assessments, often receiving little or with no help in the meantime.

Mental health services are run by the NHS through the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB). However, councillors say the City Council still has an important role in working with schools, health services and local charities to improve early support and help families access the help they need sooner.

The motion follows a key commitment in this year’s local election manifesto to introduce a city-wide mental health strategy focused on local solutions for local people.

Shenley Brook End Councillor Saleena Raja, said:

“From my own experience I know how challenging it is and even now, parents are telling us the same story again and again. They know their child is struggling, but they’re stuck waiting with no help. Children shouldn’t have to reach crisis point before they get support.

“Early help can stop problems getting worse. It’s better for children, better for families and better for public services.”

The motion asks the Leader of the City Council to write to the BLMK Integrated Care Board encouraging it to explore external funding opportunities, including grants to expand early intervention provision for children aged 8-12.

If the motion is passed, the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will also review data provided by the BLMK ICB, looking at:

• Current waiting times and who qualifies for support
• Better short-term help while children wait for assessments
• Clearer guidance so families understand how to get help, including neurodivergent assessment routes
• Stronger coordination between CHUMS (mental health and emotional wellbeing service supporting children, young people and their families), CAMHS, schools, GPs and local charities
• Opportunities to expand early intervention

This year, Lib Dem councillors awarded £2,152 from their ward budgets to Arthur Ellis – a charity which provides early intervention sessions and wellbeing support for young people in Milton Keynes.

Councillor Duncan Banks, added:

“We’ve already backed charities like Arthur Ellis because early intervention works. But we need a proper, joined up, city-wide approach.

“As Milton Keynes continues to grow, our mental health support must grow with it. No child should fall through the gaps.”

The motion will be debated at Full Council on Wednesday 18 March.