Margaret Mullane MP has welcomed action to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Dagenham and Rainham’s young people, with three new Mental Health Support Teams in training at NHS North East London set to roll out services to local schools next year.
It comes as nearly six million children and young people are now able to access mental health support in their school or college – giving them the tools and resilience they need to stay in education and thrive as adults.
This is around 800,000 more pupils than last year, with Labour’s Mental Health Support Teams now working in almost 11,800 schools and colleges across England.
These teams are already making a clear difference. Nine in ten schools and colleges say they are improving children’s mental health and wellbeing, while seven in ten report improved attendance — helping keep pupils in school and on track for their futures.
With around one million 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training – and poor mental health a major barrier – this is a key challenge holding young people back.
This reflects findings which shows poor mental health is a barrier to education, employment and training.
Margaret said: “Parents across Dagenham and Rainham want their child to grow up healthy and happy.
But this is a tough time to grow up in. We know that when children are struggling with their mental wellbeing, this can lead to behavioural issues and,in some cases, a higher likelihood of exclusion from school. 90% of youth offenders are previously expelled children. So our mental health improvements in schools are also a key part of our preventive strategy for crime and community cohesion. Stepping in to put support in place to help children deal with the stresses, worries and anxiety that can arise will set them up to achieve and thrive.
This action builds on the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health support workers since June 2024, part of our 10 Year Health Plan commitment to deliver more mental health care in the community and bring about a fundamental shift towards prevention of mental health problems.”