Student loan repayments have been back in the news for the last few weeks. For some, it is a good sign that pressure is being exerted on a system ensuring a lifetime of debt. For others, it is an example of young people crying they have to pay money back that they have been loaned.
We're not here to comment on that specifically - we're discussing young people more broadly.
One of the positives of student loans being back in the news is hearing the dissenting opinions between those who wish for young people to be at the forefront of policy development, versus those who think they've got it pretty good.
The truth is, for many years policymakers have been far more concerned with older generations. You don't need to be able to land a plane to figure it out - the proportion of older voters far outweighs that of the younger generation. But it is interesting to consider that many policies are designed to appease those nearer the end of their natural lives than those with lives to live - think winter fuel allowance for instance.
To put a bow on this - The Department of Health and Social Care has announced a £7 million funding boost to expand early mental health support for young people across England, aiming to deliver thousands of additional interventions over the next year.
The investment will support the rollout and expansion of Early Support Hubs, community-based services that provide mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25. The hubs offer open-access, drop-in provision without the need for a GP referral, helping to reduce waiting times and barriers to care.
This is a good example of a policy specifically designed to help those who either cannot vote or do not vote in their droves, and frankly a welcome pivot.
According to the government, the additional funding is expected to deliver around 10,000 extra mental health interventions in the coming year. The move forms part of a wider £688 million package earmarked for mental health services in 2025/26, designed to improve access and strengthen early intervention nationwide.
Early Support Hubs are intended to bridge the gap between school-based provision and specialist NHS services. They typically offer advice, counselling, signposting, and practical support in a youth-friendly setting. By allowing young people to self-refer, the model aims to address concerns before they escalate into more serious mental health conditions.
The announcement also sits alongside wider workforce expansion plans. The government has pledged to recruit thousands more mental health professionals, increasing capacity across community and specialist services.
The expansion will be delivered in partnership with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations, many of which already play a key role in operating Early Support Hubs. The model builds on existing provision in several areas of the country, where similar hubs have been credited with improving engagement among young people who might otherwise struggle to access traditional clinical settings.
The government says the hubs are designed to be flexible and responsive to local need. Services may include one-to-one support, group sessions, digital advice, and referrals to specialist care where required. By integrating with schools, GPs and community services, the aim is to create a more collaborative pathway for young people experiencing mental health challenges.
The funding announcement follows ongoing scrutiny of waiting times and thresholds for specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Stakeholders across the sector have called for greater emphasis on early support to prevent young people reaching crisis point before receiving help.
In addition to financial investment, the government has emphasised its commitment to reforming mental health services more broadly, with a focus on accessibility, prevention and community-based care. Officials argue that strengthening early intervention will not only improve outcomes for individuals but also reduce long-term costs to the health system.
NHS England will work alongside local providers to support implementation and monitor the impact of the expanded hubs. Further details on locations and delivery partners are expected to be confirmed in due course.
The latest funding boost represents a continued push to prioritise children and young people’s mental health within the national health agenda.