People’s Health Trust welcomes the findings of the independent review and its recognition that mental health, ADHD and autism are shaped by complex and interconnected factors.
The findings largely reflect the experiences of the communities we work with: mental health distress is increasing, diagnoses of ADHD and autism are rising, and more people are being referred for and seeking support. These trends are particularly pronounced among children and young adults, affecting their education, employment and training.
People must be able to access the right support early, close to home and before difficulties reach crisis point. That means looking beyond diagnosis and clinical services, while addressing the wider social and economic conditions—including poverty, insecure work and poor housing—that shape mental health.
John Hume, Chief Executive of People’s Health Trust, said:
“The review is right that no single factor explains rising mental health distress or the increase in diagnoses of ADHD and autism. Diagnosis and clinical support cannot provide the whole answer. Community-led support is key but must be properly resourced, alongside action on the poverty, insecure work and poor housing that can damage people’s mental health.
“People’s Health Trust’s programmes show how community-led approaches can be part of the solution. Through our work on men’s health, pathways to employment for young people, and our forthcoming programme supporting young people’s mental health in London, we will work with people most affected and expert community organisations. Together, we will strengthen locally designed support that is accessible, trusted and able to address the social and economic drivers of poor health.”