young people's mental health
Merton Council is addressing a significant increase in adolescent mental health needs and neurodiversity diagnoses.
Merton Council's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed a significant increase in adolescent mental health needs and neurodiversity diagnoses in October 2026. The board reviewed progress on the Merton Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030, noting a rising demand for support services for young people. Bev Hendricks, Executive Director for Children, Lifelong Learning and Families, highlighted a rise in adolescents' social, emotional, and mental health support needs.
No upcoming meetings are currently listed for this topic. The Health and Wellbeing Board's work in October 2026 included noting updates on its development and endorsing a Year 2 action plan for joined-up services, which aims to address growing needs for intervention in areas like young people's mental health.
Key facts
- Merton Council's Health and Wellbeing Board convened on 1 October 2026. Source
- The board discussed a significant increase in adolescent mental health needs. Source
- A rise in adolescents' social, emotional, and mental health support needs was noted. Source
- Progress on the Merton Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 was reviewed. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.