The government has announced £7 million of funding for Early Support Hubs across England to help young people get mental health support.

Early Support Hubs are community-based services, which provide drop-in mental health support for young people aged 11-25 with a range of issues, helping to prevent more severe mental illness without the need for a referral or doctor’s appointment.  

The extra funding will enable the 24 existing hubs to expand services in local communities, delivering 10,000 additional mental health and wellbeing interventions over the next twelve months. This could include, for example, counselling, group work, therapeutic support and specialist advice. 

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: "No young person should suffer in silence with their mental health. We’re investing in the wellbeing of the next generation, making sure every young person has the best start in life and the support they need to grow, to flourish, and to thrive.

"Early Support Hubs are already making a real difference and this funding boost will expand services to support more young people in communities across the country.

"Alongside this, we’re investing an extra £688 million in mental health services this year and are well on our way to recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers across children’s and adult services."

Minister for Early Education, Olivia Bailey said: "Every young person deserves access to mental health support when they need it, without barriers or long waits.

"Early Support Hubs are making a real difference in communities, complementing the rollout of mental health support teams in all schools in England which has already reached six in ten children.

"These services are vital so that every young person can achieve and thrive, getting timely support in their local areas, whether that’s group sessions, or simply a safe space to talk."