Mental health services for children and young people are in crisis.

Of more than 338,000 children referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) last year, less than a third (only 31per cent) received treatment within the year.

37pc were not accepted into treatment or discharged after an assessment, and 32pc were still on waiting lists after a year.

This is unacceptable.

Good mental health means children and young people can cope with life and grow into well-rounded adults.

The Mental Health Foundation says a child with poor mental health will see a direct adverse effect on their education, their ability to form stable relationships, and increases the likelihood of physical illness.

For every child ignored today, the cost of intervention down the line will be even greater.

Ministers must replace warm words with a properly funded, multi-agency approach that prioritises our children's mental health.