Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Services (Children and Young People)

We wanted to hear from parents and carers of children and young people to understand their thoughts about the future of mental health and emotional wellbeing services for children and young people in Warwickshire.

Between June and December 2024, we engaged with:

• professionals across health, social care, and education;
• young people though our internal and external youth support services;
• parents and carers through Ask Warwickshire, Warwickshire Parent Care Voice, community groups and family centres; and

providers through market testing and online sessions.

In total we have engaged with:

• 121 Professionals           
• 19 Providers
• 140 Parent/Carers
• 118 children and young people

The feedback emphasises the need for substantial improvements in the accessibility, responsiveness, and coordination of mental health services for children and young people in Warwickshire.  

Key issues included:  

• Long wait times 
• Inadequate support during waiting periods. 
• Need for parental support offer. 
• Poor transitions support through services.
• Unclear pathway for 16+ 
• The necessity for private care due to long waits. 
• Uncoordinated systems 
• Poor communication  
• Challenges with educational support.  

Additionally, the engagement activity highlighted the need for increased awareness around what support is available, a more flexible delivery of support, and the importance of accessible services in a local community setting. 

Phase three work between January and July 2025. Through engagement activities, workshops, conversations and feedback opportunities, families shared their experiences and priorities for future mental health support. Their input directly influenced the service design, delivery model, name and branding. Children, young people, parents and carers also played an active role in the procurement process, contributing to provider evaluation and interviews.

ECHO (Every Child Heard and Offered Support) launched in August 2026. It is a free community-based mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children, young people and families across Warwickshire, providing early intervention support through a range of referral routes, including self-referral. The service is funded by Warwickshire County Council and NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board and delivered by Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind and partner organisations.

The service is available for young people up to age 18, and up to age 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Support includes counselling, advice and guidance, consultation for parents, carers and professionals, and signposting to specialist services when needed.

To access support or find out more, visit www.echosupport.org.uk or call 02476 631835.