Research data suggests that mental health needs are rising in young people across many countries. The determinants of mental ill-health are complex, often linked to a combination of social, economic, and genetic factors, including the role of inequity, socio-economic disadvantage, adverse childhood experiences, and social and cultural changes. 

Services report increasing complexity and acuity with many young people presenting with needs across multiple domains. There are also concerns about health inequalities, with vulnerable young people either at risk of higher rates of mental health needs and/or poorer access, experience or outcomes of services. 

Subsequently, there is increasing recognition of the importance of system partnership working, as traditional ways of configuring services across health, education and social care can often lead to fragmented and inefficient care or worsen health inequalities. 

Systems working requires leadership, working across organisational boundaries to develop a shared vision and strategy, supported by a shared language, principles and outcomes. It also requires a different skill set, one that moves beyond a focus on individual engagement to one that involves collective and collaborative action, recognising the important role of data.

During the session, learning from England will be shared and delegates encouraged to consider how to apply this to developing regional networks of care.