The call comes as data shows over 90,000 under 18s are waiting more than two years following a referral for their first meaningful contact with NHS specialist community mental health services.

The director of The NHS Alliance's Mental Health Network, Rebecca Gray, said: ‘Ongoing mental health prevalence and service reviews may help shift the dial, but it is important that conclusions are translated into action if we are to address the appalling treatment gap faced by people with mental ill health.

‘If that means targets in relation to people, particularly young people, being able to access the mental healthcare they need, bring it on.'

Between December 2025 and February 2026, around 70% of CYP with a mental health need had to wait over four weeks, according to the latest statistics.

The NHS Alliance says an official four-week standard from first referral would make the NHS and Government more accountable to improving access to treatment support for CYP at an earlier stage of their mental health illness, shine a spotlight on the progress the NHS needs to make and facilitate access to additional investment and support where needed.

The move follows a major conference in Birmingham last week for more than 200 mental health leaders, run by The NHS Alliance, on the future of services and to share good practice.

Findings from a survey carried out by The NHS Alliance show nearly two thirds (64%) of those who responded said finances would be tougher this year than last year, 94% said they were concerned or very concerned about increasing demand and 61% said they were worried about the impact financial pressures would have on the quality of care.