CAMHS Update: Improving Access, Proposed Changes and Have Your Say
There is a lot of work going on to improve CAMHS services, both locally in Waltham Forest and across North East London.
We recently met with Alec Stuart, Head of CAMHS, and parents and carers to discuss the problems families are experiencing and what is being done to improve services.
CAMHS is also looking at wider changes to how services are organised and delivered, and there is an opportunity for parents to have their say.
Improving Access to CAMHS in Waltham Forest
One of the main priorities has been improving what CAMHS calls its 'front door', where referrals are received and reviewed.
We were told that the number of cases waiting to be dealt with at this stage has reduced from around 1,300 to 669.
A further focused week of reviewing referrals is planned for the end of October, with the hope of clearing the remaining backlog.
This is positive progress, but it doesn't mean assessment waiting lists have reduced. In fact, as more referrals are processed and children are added to the appropriate pathways, waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments may increase.
CAMHS is also looking at how to improve the movement of young people through the service, including reducing unnecessary delays and improving arrangements for transferring ongoing care to other services where appropriate.
What Is Being Proposed Across North East London?
CAMHS is reviewing how services operate across Outer North East London, including Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering and Barking & Dagenham.
The aim is to make services more consistent, improve access and ensure children and young people receive the right support.
The proposals include:
1. Making it easier to access CAMHS
Improving how referrals are received and reviewed, making it clearer where families should go for help and reducing the chances of children being passed between different services.
2. Improving communication
Giving families clearer information about what happens after a referral, waiting times, who to contact and what support may be available while waiting.
3. Making assessment and treatment pathways clearer
Developing more consistent approaches to supporting children and young people experiencing:
Emotional difficulties, such as anxiety and depression
Neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD
Behavioural difficulties
Complex needs or additional risks
The intention is to make it easier for families and professionals to understand what support is available and how to access it.
4. Better support for children with both autism and ADHD
Improving how the autism and ADHD assessment pathways work together, so children with signs of both conditions don't face unnecessary duplication or repeated assessments.
The proposals also recognise the importance of supporting children's mental health needs alongside their neurodevelopmental needs.
5. Better support while waiting
Looking at how children and families can access advice and support before and during assessment, rather than having to wait until a diagnosis is made.
This is something parents have repeatedly raised with us.
6. Better working between services
Improving how CAMHS works with schools, GPs, health services and social care, including arrangements for ongoing care and medication where appropriate.
The aim is to reduce delays and make sure children and young people don't fall between services.
These are the main areas covered by the redesign proposals. Some improvements are already underway, while other changes are still being considered.
What About Support While Waiting?
At our recent meeting, we discussed the lack of information and support many families experience while waiting for CAMHS.
The CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Lead has responded to questions raised through our recent parent survey. We'll be adding these responses to our website as Frequently Asked Questions.
We will also make the ND assessment pathway document available to download, so parents can understand the different stages of assessment.
CAMHS has previously developed a proposed six-week support programme involving its Psychology and Consultation Team and Neurodevelopmental Team, but this is currently on hold while the service changes take place.
We also discussed the role of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), which are now working with around 75% of schools. These teams provide early mental health support, including help with anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing.
CAMHS has offered to run a session for our parents and carers explaining what MHSTs do and how children can access their support. We'll also share a list of schools currently covered.
Importantly, children should not have to wait for a diagnosis before receiving support for their identified educational needs.
Have Your Say: Online Parent Meeting
Tuesday 3 November 2026
10am–12pm | Online
CAMHS has arranged a meeting to explain the proposed changes and hear parents' views before submitting its response at the end of November.
We've been sent a presentation outlining the proposals, but it was written for professionals and is quite complicated. We've asked whether it can be shortened and made more parent-friendly.
We would encourage parents and carers to attend, particularly if you've experienced difficulties accessing CAMHS or have concerns about waiting times, communication or the support available.
What would we like parents to think about?
Will these changes make it easier for families to access CAMHS?
Will parents receive better information and support while waiting?
Will children with autism, ADHD and mental health difficulties receive more joined-up support?
What is missing from the proposals?
How will families know whether the changes have actually improved services?
The meeting link is expected next week. We'll add it here as soon as we receive it and share it through our newsletter, Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
We've also asked whether the meeting can be recorded for parents who are unable to attend.
Your experiences and views are important in helping shape how CAMHS services develop.