Manchester Met Contributes to High‑Level Policy Roundtable at the Department of Health and Social Care
Manchester Metropolitan University contributed to a high‑level roundtable at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in London, led by Baroness Merron, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, and Dr Simon Opher MP, Chair of the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Health. The meeting brought together senior policymakers, national charities, NHS leaders, academics, and officials to discuss new approaches to improving children and young people’s (CYP) mental health.
Manchester Met researchers- including Professors Deborah James, Peter Coventry, Rebecca Pearson, and Michelle McManus joined colleagues from across the youth mental health sector to share the University’s latest research and on‑the‑ground insights into the growing mental health pressures facing young people. The conversation reflected a shared commitment to community‑driven, family‑centred, strengths‑based approaches, which delegates emphasised as essential for effective early support.
Discussion focused on practical, place‑based interventions to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people, including restoring Sure Start‑style early years centres, developing parent–infant services, whole‑school approaches, community creative programmes, green social prescribing, and structured outdoor activities. NGOs such as 42nd Street, Autism Action, and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition emphasised the need for long‑term commissioning stability and the integration of trusted voluntary‑sector organisations into local systems.
Professor Deborah James stated that “the roundtable went very well … Miranda Wolpert (Head of Mental Health for Wellcome Trust) came up to me afterwards with feedback that it was ‘an excellent table’. So, we made a good impact.”.
Participants also examined models for reducing long waits, including group‑based support, triage pathways, digital single‑session interventions, and community alternatives that can offer help earlier and closer to home. These discussions took place against the backdrop of upcoming NHS reviews expected to shape future national policy.
This was a valuable conversation with policymakers committed to making real change, and it demonstrated how Manchester Met research is shaping national dialogue on young people’s mental health.
Overall, the roundtable marks a significant milestone in Manchester Met’s expanding role in national mental health policy, reinforcing the University’s commitment to collaborative, community‑rooted prevention for children and young people.
