NHS Alliance urges four-week target for children’s mental health waits amid long

The NHS Alliance has called on the government to introduce a national four‑week waiting‑time standard from first referral for children and young people’s mental health services, warning that long The appeal follows official data indicating that access to specialist care remains severely constrained despite progress in some parts of the NHS.

More than 90,000 under‑18s in England are currently waiting over two years from referral for their first meaningful contact with NHS specialist community mental health services. Between December 2025 and February 2026, around 70 per cent of children and young people with a mental health need waited longer than four weeks to access care.

The organisation argues that a clear, formal target would improve accountability for both the NHS and government, highlight where access is falling short, and strengthen the case for additional funding and workforce support. Earlier access to treatment, it says, would help prevent problems from escalating, reducing the need for more intensive and costly interventions later on.

The call was underscored at a major NHS Alliance conference in Birmingham, attended by more than 200 mental health leaders, which focused on the future of services and examples of good practice.

An accompanying survey of mental health leaders found deep concern about rising demand and financial pressure: 64% said their organisation’s financial position is expected to be tougher this year than last; 94% were concerned or very concerned about increasing demand; and 61% worried about the impact of financial pressures on quality of care.

The NHS Alliance said the combination of rising demand, workforce challenges and constrained budgets risks undermining efforts to improve access for children and young people. Without stronger national accountability and additional support, the organisation warned, waiting times could continue to lengthen, with long‑term consequences for young people’s health and wellbeing.

Rebecca Gray, Director of the NHS Alliance’s Mental Health Network, said mental health is central to national debate and linked to economic activity, education and public wellbeing, yet still has less visibility than other NHS pressures despite its place in the 10‑Year Health Plan.

Reviews of prevalence and services may help, she said, but conclusions must be translated into action to address what she described as an appalling treatment gap. If access targets are needed to achieve that—particularly for young people—the alliance supports them.

Introducing a national performance target, the organisation added, would send a clear signal that children and young people’s mental health is a priority, aligning it with other areas of NHS care where standards have driven improvement. A four‑week standard would support earlier intervention, reduce inequalities in access and help ensure young people receive help before problems become more severe.