If that is a quick roll-out what hope do we have?

Fast-tracked? What images does this expression conjure up for you? A speedy delivery, a quick roll-out, rapid interventions, swift action responding to urgent need maybe. It certainly doesn't bring to mind an 8-year (and counting) wait! And yet, Claire Murdoch, NHS national mental health director, commenting on the Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) initiative said:

‘NHS mental health teams are currently in contact with record numbers of children and young people, and since fast-tracking the introduction of these MHSTs, it's brilliant that we can confirm that well over two-fifths of pupils in schools and in further education are now covered by expert support.’

Two-fifths? I would struggle to call this brilliant. As a matter of fact, it is likely to keep me up at night. Let me get this right? The MHSTs were meant to help alleviate the extraordinary pressure on CAMHS. The same mental health services that are in a dire state and overwhelmed with referrals. Data obtained by the Children's Commissioner (2024) for England shows that more than 270 000 out of nearly one million children and young people referred to mental health services in 2022/23 were still waiting for support at the end of the year (see page 102). And, 32 000 children and young people had been waiting for more than 2 years for a second contact, when care actually begins.