Every Child in the East Riding Deserves a Place to Thrive

Every child in the East Riding deserves a space where they feel safe, valued, and truly themselves. As we mark Children’s Mental Health Week, the theme “This Is My Place” invites us to celebrate the environments, big or small; where young people can breathe, grow, and belong.

​However, for many young people in our local villages and market towns, finding that "place" is becoming increasingly difficult. From the classrooms in Beverley to the sports pitches in Goole and the quiet libraries of our coastal towns, a child’s place is wherever they feel seen. Yet, under the current government, far too many children in our community are stuck on endless waiting lists, and local services are facing unprecedented pressure.

​The View from Parliament

​Liberal Democrats are leading the charge in Westminster to ensure that mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health. Dr. Danny Chambers MP, the Liberal Democrat Mental Health Spokesperson, has been a vocal advocate for systemic change. He recently emphasized that we cannot simply "medicate or refer" our way out of this crisis; we need to build resilience where children live and learn.

​"There should be no doubt that good mental health and wellbeing are as critical to the progression of our young people as physical health is. Protecting mental health at an early age can have a defining impact on lifelong resilience." Dr Danny Chambers MP

​Charlie Maynard MP, echoed this call for urgent investment, noting that local services are at a breaking point:

​"The government needs to step up and provide the funding and support our children's mental health services desperately need. We cannot allow another generation to be left behind."

​Dr. Chambers has also highlighted the heartbreaking reality for families in areas like the East Riding, where rural isolation can make the struggle even harder:

​"Children's mental health is one of the subjects that comes up most frequently on the doorstep, with parents really struggling to get the mental health care that their children need."

​The Funding Gap: A Local Crisis

​The challenge in our region is compounded by a historical lack of investment. Residents in our area are all too aware that the North is often overlooked, but the statistics for our youngest citizens are particularly stark:

"East Riding of Yorkshire currently sits at the bottom of the national funding table for young people and SEND services—in some cases receiving a third less than London boroughs. This financial disparity is compounded by an outdated, siloed approach to youth work. In a 2026 digital landscape where young people can simply 'switch off' from discomfort, youth clubs provide the irreplaceable physical space needed to build real-world emotional resilience. We need to stop viewing mental health and physical wellbeing through separate lenses; a unified approach is the only way to help this generation navigate an increasingly complex transition into adulthood." Cllr Tony Henderson.

​This "siloed" approach means that instead of a cohesive net to catch struggling children, we have fragmented services that are underfunded and overstretched.

A Fair Deal for the East Riding

The Liberal Democrats aren't just identifying the problem; we have a clear, costed plan to fix it. Our policy focuses on early intervention to ensure no child in East Yorkshire reaches a breaking point before they get help. We are fighting for a "Fair Deal" for young people, starting with the presence of a permanent, funded mental health professional in every primary and secondary school.

​We also believe in the power of community-led support, which is why we are calling for Early Support Hubs in every local area. These would act as "walk-in" centers where young people can access help without the barrier of a GP referral. Crucially for our region, we are committed to ending the wait by scrapping the "postcode lottery" that so often leaves rural communities in the East Riding behind. Finally, our policy seeks to enshrine Parity of Esteem into law, creating a legal requirement for the NHS to treat mental and physical health with equal importance.

​This Week, Let’s Commit To:

​Championing the voices of children and young people across the East Riding to ensure they are heard by local decision-makers.

​Protecting community spaces like youth clubs and local libraries that serve as vital sanctuaries for those who feel overwhelmed.

​Encouraging conversations about mental health to break down the stigma that still exists in our rural and coastal communities.

​Fighting for fair funding to ensure our local NHS services in East Yorkshire are equipped to help every child exactly when they need it.

​Whether it’s a classroom that sparks curiosity, a football pitch, or simply being with people who listen, a child’s place is wherever they feel supported. We must remind every child in our county: your place matters, and so do you.

​Together, we can build an East Riding where every young person feels grounded, included, and empowered to thrive.