Children First call for roll out of life-saving family support alternative to CAMHS
Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling for investment in a national rollout of a ‘life-saving’ approach to improve children’s mental health. The call comes following the publication of an independent evaluation showing that the charity’s family wellbeing model has reduced repeat child mental health visits to GPs by more than 86%.
The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service, by Iconic Consulting, found that it has made a “significant difference for children, families and the overall support system” and strongly supports its replication across Scotland.
The call has been backed by young people, their families and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, said:
“Despite good intentions and a continued spotlight on children’s mental health, many children and young people in Scotland are still suffering for far too long before help is available. Not every child referred to CAMHS has a clinical condition, many are overwhelmed by the pressures of growing up today. The challenges they face have never been higher and the expectations on them are greater than ever.
“The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service shows that supporting children and their families to understand and tackle what’s causing their distress rather than just treating their symptoms can save lives.”
Between June 2019 and September 2024, 723 families were referred to the family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire. It was developed with funding from the Robertson Trust, which aimed to support charities and the public sector to innovate and put more resources towards prevention.
Key findings from the independent evaluation of the service include:
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Improved mental health for children, young people and their parents.
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Strengthened family relationships and communication.
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Better support for neurodivergent children and young people.
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Increased engagement by children with education.
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Reduced pressure on GP services and CAMHS.
While CAMHS waiting times remain lengthy, 90% of children referred to the family wellbeing service began getting support within two weeks over a three-year funding period.
Eighteen-year-old Lily started getting support from the Children First family wellbeing service three years ago. She said:
“When I met Children First I couldn’t go to school. My anxiety was constant. I saw danger everywhere and reason to fear to everything. I couldn’t cross the road because I thought I’d be hit by a car. I couldn’t even answer the door.
“Now I’ve started my dream course at my dream university – I couldn’t have done it without Children First.
“Children First’s family wellbeing service has given me a second chance and set me up for the future. Every child who needs it should be able to get support from the family wellbeing service. It is absolutely, genuinely life changing.”
Helen, a parent, interviewed for the evaluation said:
“If it wasn’t for Children First I don’t think me or my son would be here. He was feeling suicidal. It is a lot better now.”
Despite its success and the best efforts of partners, funding for the Children First family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire is precarious. The Scotland-wide pressure on public finances has resulted in a reduction in funding from £670,000 annually to just £320,000 in 2024/25. Staff have had to be reduced, resulting in a drop in referrals from between 12 and 14 to less than three per month.
Mary Glasgow said:
“Children urgently need this model to be rolled out, with long-term, sustainable funding across Scotland direct to the third sector. The family wellbeing service is a clear example of how Scotland can deliver on its promise to prevent problems before they escalate.
“With public finances contracting, we need to make sure that CAMHS is available quickly for children with acute mental health needs and that other children who would benefit from an alternative, such as the Children First family wellbeing service, get rapid support to avoid more serious and costly interventions later. It eases pressure on the NHS and most importantly, it helps children recover and thrive.”
The call has been backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Dr Mairi Stark, RCPCH officer for Scotland said:
“Every child deserves the highest standard of physical and mental health. That means ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time.
“Scotland is facing a mental health crisis, with childhood mental health problems becoming increasingly common. There is a real need for greater investment in community services to tackle the unmet need and prioritise the wellbeing of our children and young people. RCPCH Scotland has long called for the expansion and sustained investment in community-based mental health services, and I welcome this pilot service developed by Children First.
“The Scottish Government must not only act on the evidence of the independent evaluation, but it must also listen to the voices of children and families who have benefited from Children First's Family Wellbeing Service. Their experiences are compelling evidence of what works and should help shape the future of mental health support for children and young people in Scotland.”
Children First unveiled its manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections earlier this week, urging the next Scottish Government to take action to tackle the national childhood emergency, protect children and safeguard childhood. Find out more here: manifesto-2025.pdf
Read the full evaluation and a policy summary of the evaluation.