Follow the conference on X #CAMHS2026
Join us for this one-day conference designed to give school leaders the tools and insights to make a tangible difference to pupil wellbeing. Across the day, you’ll hear directly from a range of experts on how schools can spot early warning signs, respond effectively to emotionally based school avoidance, and support children and young people in crisis. Sessions will highlight proven approaches to embedding mental health support in the classroom, strengthening staff confidence, and building stronger links between education, CAMHS, and community services. You’ll leave with practical strategies, case studies, and clear takeaways to help shape a whole-school approach to mental health that supports pupils, families, and staff alike.
The conference will also update delegates on the implications of the 10 year plan for health for CAMHS services including the development of young people’s futures hubs and the CAMHS role in prevention and neighbourhood health.
“Almost half of mental health conditions develop before the age of 18. For children and young people with mental health needs, fast access to early, high-quality support is critical. Yet NHS mental health services have never truly met the needs of the population in a comprehensive way, and there are significant gaps in support. Evidence shows that unaddressed mental illness early in life can result in worse school attendance and results, and may mean hundreds of thousands of pounds of lost earning potential over a lifetime. We will work with schools, colleges and universities to better identify and meet children’s mental health needs.”
Fit for the Future: 10 year plan for Health 2025
“Previous governments have had plans to tackle this crisis but there is very little evidence that things are improving…The current government needs to learn from the mistakes of the past and build up the capacity of services that can offer timely support to children and young people.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
“Early support would help prevent many young people from becoming more unwell, but instead their mental health is deteriorating, pushing them into crisis and, in some instances, putting young people’s lives at risk,”
Laura Bunt, Chief Executive at YoungMinds
This conference will enable you to
Network with colleagues who are working to improve mental health services for children and young people
Reflect on the lived experience of a young person with lived experience
Learn from outstanding practice in transforming CAMHS
Update your knowledge on national developments including the CAMHS role in 10 year plan, neighbourhood health and Young Futures Hubs
Improve early intervention and work with schools in a preventative way to improve identification, wellbeing and resilience
Develop your skills in new ways of working with children and young people in crisis
Better understand emotionally based school avoidance and the CAMHS role in a response
Explore how multidisciplinary teams and neighbourhood models can be optimised to support children and young people’s mental health
Engage children as partners and embed a collaborative child centred approach
Understand online influences and the impact of the Online Safety Bill
Better manage the transition from Child to Adult services
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5 Hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
