More children and young people across the Midlands are receiving targeted mental health support, during Children’s Mental Health Week and beyond.

This is down to an increase in Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in schools and colleges across the Midlands.

Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) are specially trained NHS staff that offer support and treatment for children and young people with their mental health, anxiety and depression.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 runs from 9–15 February.  The theme this year is ‘This is My Place’, which helps to create a sense of belonging in schools and communities.

The Midlands now has 139 Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges.

The 10 Year Health Plan has committed to 100% coverage in all schools and colleges by December 2029.

The Midlands has an average number of 297 children and young people who have contacted a MHST (with at least one attended appointment) for support from December 2024 – November 2025. This is above the national average of 284 contacts per team.

Ellie Hindle, Safeguarding Manager and Senior Mental Health Lead at The Excel Academy in Stoke-on-Trent said: “The MHST has been an integral part of the development of the mental health support package our students are able to access.

“Our practitioner has done a fantastic job developing relationships with staff through training opportunities, reflective support sessions and delivering student workshops.

“Feedback from students shows improvement in their mental health and wellbeing and our practitioner is quick to respond to changing need.”

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “It is vital that children and young people in the Midlands receive the help and support they need at school and college.

“Encouraging and guiding children and young people to think about their own mental health and wellbeing is a vital skill that helps them to stay healthy”.

Parents and carers can help to look after a child or young person’s mental health. The Every Mind Matters website has information on how to give children and young people support and help to keep them mentally healthy.

Find further advice and support about mental health for children, teenagers, students and parents.