Current landscape:
Mental health is now recognised as a major health system priority. Referrals remain at record highs, with more than 4.6 million people in contact with NHS mental health services in 2024 and increasing demand among children and young people.
At the same time, workforce shortages, rising acuity, and stretched community services are creating pressure points across the pathway. Digital tools, integrated care, and new models of prevention are key to ensuring access and equity.
Timeliness of event:
- The NHS Long Term Plan and the government’s 10-Year Mental Health Strategy set ambitious goals: earlier access, 24/7 crisis support, expansion of community provision, and parity with physical health.
- New funding commitments for children & young people’s services, talking therapies, and community mental health transformation are live now, making this the right moment to showcase progress and share lessons.
- Political focus on reducing waits and improving outcomes makes it vital for system leaders to align service delivery with policy.
Key topics & learner outcomes:
- Transforming community mental health — practical insights from trusts and ICBs already rolling out new models.
- Children and young people’s services — scaling school-based support, early intervention, and specialist pathways.
- Workforce and wellbeing — strategies to retain and support mental health professionals.
- Digital and data innovation — from virtual wards to AI-enabled triage.
- Patient voice — embedding lived experience into design and improvement.
By the end of the conference, attendees will:
- Be able to benchmark their progress against national priorities.
- Take away case studies and tools for community transformation and CYP service delivery.
- Understand how digital solutions are shaping modern mental health care.
- Hear directly from service users and frontline staff on what works.
Why attend:
- Policy to practice: turn national targets into service-level delivery.
- Collaboration: learn from peers across ICBs, trusts, local government, and voluntary sector partners.
- Inspiration: hear real examples of innovation that are improving outcomes today.
- Networking: connect with leaders shaping the future of NHS mental health services.
