The headline article on BBC news early last week highlights the shocking reality of 'Children as young as six going to A&E in mental health crisis'. The APEM Team fully endorses Dr Sam Jones' call for not only greater investment in children's mental health services but also improved training for staff from key agencies across health, social care and education in helping children who are struggling with their mental health. APeM members may be interested in participating in the training offer...

Summer arrived with a full agenda for children and young people’s urgent and emergency care. Autumn is round the corner and looks equally packed kicking off with the PERUKI/APEM conference in September. This update brings together the main areas of progress across the child advocacy and policy spaces since spring and highlights where members can get involved. We include a small snap shot of the upcoming academic and educational opportunities and the ongoing stakeholder work shaping the next...

On Monday 15th June, the Government announced a ban on social media platforms for children under 16. This new policy also includes restrictions on live streaming and communication with strangers, extending to gaming platforms. These changes are expected to take effect in Spring 2027. The move responds to increasing evidence of the negative effects social media has on the physical and mental health of children and young people. Growing Concerns from Clinicians Clinicians have long observed the...