Reversing the decline in children's mental health Book The deterioration of the mental health of the UK’s children and young people is one of the most urgent issues facing our society today. More than one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023, compared to around one in eight in 2017. This is putting ever-increasing pressure on public services, with more than a quarter of a million children and young people on the waiting list for NHS mental health services and schools battling to play a role they weren’t designed to fulfil. And in every classroom and in thousands of homes, children are spending their formative years unhappy and unwell In this major event, Pro Bono Economics will bring together policymakers, charities, school leaders, commissioners, funders, and health professionals. The session will explore the potential long-term impacts of these rising mental health challenges for the UK economy, whether we can afford to tackle them and whether we can afford not to. Hear from our panel of experts discussing the role of treatment versus prevention, the much-debated drivers behind the decline in mental health, and the scale of change that is needed to ensure the reverse of these worrying trends. Speakers will include: Catherine Roche, Chief Executive, Place2Be Cathy Newman, Journalist and Ambassador for Young Minds Matt Whittaker, CEO, Pro Bono Economics Saqib Chaudhri, Principal, Oasis Academy Shirley Park Support Pro Bono Economics its 15th year In 2024, Pro Bono Economics will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Pro Bono Economics is a charity, and without the generous support of individuals and organisations, our vital work would not be possible. Please support this important work by adding an optional donation of £15 to your ticket. You can also make a one-off or regular donation via the Pro Bono Economics website. Thank you for your support. Prefer to watch the event online? This event will be live-streamed via the Pro Bono Economics YouTube channel. Please select the correct ticket type when registering to receive the right information for you. This event is kindly sponsored by: The Rigby Foundation Oxford Economics Exchange Data International Get in touch For questions relating to the event, contact: [email protected] For press enquiries, contact: [email protected] Book Manage Cookie Preferences