I am delighted that today, the Government has announced a £79 million boost to mental health services for children and young people - ensuring that mental health support is available to those who need it.
I know first-hand through conversations with residents, local hospitals and mental health organisations how exceptionally difficult this year has been for our children and young people, and the real impact that it has had on their mental health.
This additional funding will help ensure that nearly three million children in England can access this vital support when and where they need it - by creating hundreds more mental health support teams in schools and colleges. This boost will also mean children who need to, can access services in the community as well as providing this early intervention support in schools.
I welcome the Government's commitment to responding to the long-term impact this pandemic has had on people's mental health. We must do everything we can to ensure young people who need help, get help.