How we’re helping young people – long before they reach crisis point
Recent headlines have highlighted a growing concern: young people are at risk of being ‘pushed back into long waits’ for mental health support.
Oliver Godfrey, Divisional Lead for Mental Health at ABL Health
Recent headlines have highlighted a growing concern: young people are at risk of being ‘pushed back into long waits’ for mental health support. As someone leading ABL Health’s work in this area, I understand how significant this moment is. Long waiting times and high referral thresholds have long created barriers for young people seeking help early, often leaving them to struggle until their needs escalate.
At ABL Health, our belief is simple. No young person should have to reach crisis point to be taken seriously. That principle sits at the heart of our BeU Wellbeing Hubs, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care as part of the Early Support Hubs initiative. Our aim has always been to provide fast, accessible, preventative mental health support when young people need it most – before issues become overwhelming.
Why early support matters now more than ever
The impact of delays in accessing mental health support is well documented. For many young people, wait times can contribute to worsening emotional difficulties, increased school absence and, in some cases, the need for specialist interventions such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or inpatient care.
Our experience reflects this. In the 2024/25 academic year alone, our Wellbeing Hubs delivered 1,345 therapeutic interventions in Nottingham City and County, supporting young people facing challenges such as anxiety, stress, bullying, transitions and emotional regulation. Of those who accessed the service, 92% rated the support as good or excellent – a reflection of how much early, accessible help can mean at a crucial moment. This early support helps young people build resilience long before they approach crisis, reducing pressure on already stretched specialist services.
Our psychoeducation workshops – covering topics including anxiety, exam stress and managing change – equip young people with practical, evidence-based strategies. For those who need more personalised help, our 1:1 wellbeing sessions provide a safe, confidential space to explore their concerns using strength-based, goal-focused approaches that empower them to take control of their wellbeing.
The impact is best seen through the voices of the young people themselves. One student, who had become withdrawn and disengaged at school due to bullying, disclosed experiences of bullying and child-on-child abuse, which were identified as safeguarding concerns. They described a feeling of immediate relief after sharing their experience. With their consent, our practitioner raised the concerns with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who took immediate action. In a follow-up session, the young person reported that the bullying had “almost completely stopped”.
Another young person, experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, reflected that they had already seen benefits from the skills they learned in our workshop and 1:1 session. They shared that the experience made them feel more confident seeking future support when needed.
A proven, cost-effective model
Early support changes lives – and benefits the wider system. The BeU Hubs preventative approach supports young people for approximately £235 per intervention, a fraction of the costs associated with intensive CAMHS support or inpatient care. By providing early support, we reduce the need for frequent GP appointments and A&E visits, ease pressure on specialist services such as CAMHS, and help young people stay in school and perform better academically.
First-hand feedback from schools and young people continues to highlight the value of the programme:
“Both of the workshops were excellent in terms of educating the children on their emotions, identifying these, their triggers and how best to manage these. The children have a better understanding of their emotions and feel more empowered to better manage these too.” — Year 6 teacher, Nottingham
“It has helped me cope more with my anxiety and what to do in a difficult situation.” — Young person, Nottingham
Responding to sector-wide challenges
The wider national picture shows why sustaining early intervention is so important. But with funding for early support hubs set to end in March 2026, the future is uncertain.
While the Government has emphasised its ongoing commitment to transforming children’s mental health services – including the rollout of mental health support teams in schools and colleges, the recruitment of 8,500 additional mental health workers and the development of new Young Futures hubs – the potential gap in provision for Early Support Hubs presents a challenge and raises concerns for young people.
This is an important moment to ensure continuity. Without sustained early-intervention services, there is a risk that progress made over recent years could be affected and that some young people may face fewer routes to timely help.
Continuing to show what’s possible for young people
The work of our BeU Wellbeing Hubs continue to demonstrate what is possible: accessible, high-quality support that prevents problems from escalating and reduces pressure elsewhere in the system.
As national conversations continue about the future of early support, we remain committed to playing a positive role. By maintaining strong local partnerships, adapting to emerging needs, and championing early intervention, we will continue to ensure young people have safe, accessible places to turn to long before they reach crisis point.
By working together, we can ensure that every young person has access to the right support, at the right time, in the right place.
For more information about our BeU Wellbeing Hubs, visit the BeU Wellbeing Hubs website or contact us on 01204 570 999.