Our manifesto
We’re asking political parties, policy makers and funders to close the gap in children and young people’s mental health through a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention.
One in five young people in England has a probable mental health disorder. And while requests for services have more than doubled since 2018, only 32% more patients are being seen compared to March 2021.
The time has come to think differently.
Our manifesto brings together young voices, scientific insight, research and our 71 years of expertise to call for a new way to tackle the problem and improve children and young people’s lives.
We're calling for mental wellbeing to be the foundation, not the fix. Will you join us?
Our five-point plan
Our Thinking differently manifesto has five asks – driven by science, and what our team of Young Champions tell us will help the most. If this five-point plan is fully implemented, together we will transform the mental health of a generation.
Watch our animation to learn about the five ways we can make a difference to children and young people’s mental health, as we approach a general election.
Email to speak to our manifesto team about bringing Thinking differently to life.
Why our manifesto matters
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Anna Freud releases its manifesto on how prevention and early intervention can close the gap in children and young people’s mental health
World leading mental health charity unveils five-point plan to reduce the need for costly emergency mental health support .
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We’re thinking differently about mental health. Will you join us?
We launched our first ever manifesto today (17 April 2024) and we’re asking for a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention to support children and young people’s mental health....
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James’ story: Schools have a big part to play in providing a space to talk about mental health
In this extended story from our Thinking differently manifesto, Anna Freud Young Champion, James, tells us in his own words why he thinks it’s important to embed a whole-school approach ...
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Sophie’s story: Adults need to pass the baton
In this extended story from our Thinking differently manifesto, Anna Freud Young Champion, Sophie, tells us in her own words why she believes young people should be meaningfully involved...
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Thea’s story: There is life beyond academic achievements
In this extended story from our Thinking differently manifesto, Anna Freud Young Champion, Thea, tells us in her own words why she thinks it’s important to create a more balanced school ...
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Naz’s story: Starting early in communities
In this story from our Thinking differently manifesto, Anna Freud Young Champion, Naz, tells us in her own words why she thinks it’s important to educate people about mental health from ...
How you can get involved
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Support us
Big ideas need significant investment. Support us with a one-off donation or become an Anna Freud Pioneer and join a community of like-minded supporters.
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Become a champion
Make your mark on the work we do by joining our Champions programme for young people with experience of mental ill health, and their parents and carers.
