Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 62
It is clear that young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 face some...
Recommendation
It is clear that young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 face some of the widest gaps between the support that they need and the support that is available to them. 56 Children and young people’s mental health We welcome NHS England & Improvement’s commitment to shift away from the current model of care towards one that provides for those aged 0–25. However, we have heard progress on this has been slow, with large variation between areas on what age services are commissioned to. Lucas’s story provided a stark reminder that the transition to adult services remains poor for many children and young people, with high rates of drop-out from services in this period. It is essential that young people do not experience a sudden drop in their support at the age of 18.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government is considering the recommendation regarding the 18-25 age gap. It highlights the ongoing rollout of MHSTs and investments in broader children and young people's mental health services, but does not commit to specific actions to address the transition gap for young adults.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
62
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government is considering this recommendation. Improving mental health care and support for young adults is a priority for us. We know people aged 18-25 can, when trying to access mental health support, face challenges including a lack of care continuity, differing thresholds and concepts of what constitutes mental health need between children and young people, and adult services, and a reported lack of expertise in adult services regarding working with young adults. In 2021/22, NHSE/I provided an additional £33m for systems to accelerate plans to support young adults (including students) who fall through the gap of services. NHSE/I will continue to direct funding for improving care for young adults including through additional Long Term Plan funding to systems for children and young people’s mental health expansion. This is in addition to funding available to all systems through increases to adult community and crisis baselines. In line with ambitions in the NHS LTP, we have reiterated our commitment that by the end 2023/24 no age-based thresholds are in operation and all services are adapted to meet the needs of 18-25 year olds.
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