Togetherness responds to the latest report from the Children’s Commissioner on children’s mental health services
More than one million children in England had open referrals to children’s mental health services in 2024-25, according to the latest report from the Children’s Commissioner.
The report found:
- Around one in 10 children in England had an open referral
- Referrals have almost doubled since 2018-19
- More than 60,000 children had waited longer than two years for treatment
At Togetherness, we share the concern behind these findings.
Behind the numbers are children and young people trying to make sense of their feelings, friendships, school life and the world around them. There are also parents and carers waiting, worrying and wondering what to do next.
Looking beneath the surface
Children and parents are navigating challenges that can feel very different from the past.
Online life, social media, school pressure, family stress, friendships and wider worries in the world can all shape how children feel and behave. Many of these pressures are fast-changing. This can make it hard for parents and carers to know how best to respond.
The report shows growing need for children’s mental health services. Referrals rose most for suspected autism, other development needs and anxiety.
Where the reason was known, anxiety was the most common reason children were referred. Children referred with suspected autism or other development needs were also among those most likely to still be waiting at the end of the year.
| What the report found | Why it matters |
| Children still waiting had a median wait of 224 days. | Families can spend months unsure what help will come next. |
| More than 60,000 children had waited longer than two years. | Two years is a long time in a child’s life, relationships and development. |
| Children referred with suspected autism, who received treatment, had a median wait of one year. | This shows the added challenge for children with autism or other development needs. |
These are difficult numbers to sit with.
Every child and family will have their own story. But the message is clear. Children’s emotional health develops in many contexts. Home. School. Friends. Community. Support. The world around them.
Why relationships matter
We welcome national work on mental health that places a strong focus on prevention, awareness and support for parents. This support needs to begin before birth and continue throughout childhood.
Policy makers and practitioners are also increasingly recognising the role of early relationships in shaping children’s mental health.
This links closely with the Solihull Approach model, which is at the heart of Togetherness. The model helps us think about emotional health through relationships. It also helps us think about what a child may be showing through their feelings, behaviour and communication.
A strong relationship with a parent, carer or trusted adult can help children feel safe, understood and less alone. Small moments of connection can build trust, confidence and wellbeing over time.
This does not replace specialist mental health care. Some children need diagnosis, treatment and clinical support. Timely access to these services is vital.
But the report also reminds us why early, relationship-based support matters.
Support for parents and carers
At a time when more children and families are waiting for support, Togetherness offers a gentle place to begin.
Our immediately available, online learning pathways help parents, carers and grandparents learn about children’s feelings, behaviour, development and relationships at different ages and stages.
They offer practical ideas and space to reflect. They help families think about what may be happening beneath the surface and how everyday connection can support emotional wellbeing.
For parents and carers: explore Togetherness pathways to find practical support that fits your family, your child and where you are in your parenting journey.
For professionals: Togetherness training for professionals, built around the Solihull Approach model, to support work with families and communities.