Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Efforts to support children and young people’s mental health in Dundee are increasingly being focused on early intervention and prevention. 

The Children and Families Committee will receive an update on key strategies and progress made over the past year to improve mental health and wellbeing for children, young people and families across the city. 

Counselling in Schools (CiS) is a key component of Dundee’s approach to supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The service provides accessible early intervention support within school settings, with the average waiting time from referral agreement to the commencement of counselling being seven days. 

Between April 2024 and March 2025, 462 children and young people accessed school-based counselling across Dundee schools. 

Young people sought support for a range of issues, most commonly anxiety, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and depression. Following counselling, many reported increased confidence and a clearer understanding of where to seek help, while parents and carers noted improvements in children’s wellbeing and emotional regulation. 

Support is also available through Together to Thrive, a community partnership initiative providing early help for families awaiting CAMHS assessment. Early results show positive outcomes, including improved sleep routines, better sensory regulation and stronger family relationships, with both families and professionals reporting increased confidence and skills. 

This work is supported by third sector partners delivering services that address a wide range of needs, including emotional wellbeing, trauma recovery, family relationships and support for young carers. Key partners include Hot Chocolate, Dundee Carers Centre and Women’s Aid.  

Children and Families Convener Stewart Hunter said: "Improving the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is a key priority for this council. 

"This report highlights the strong partnership working taking place in the city to provide early support in schools, with a focus on helping young people as quickly as possible and it’s encouraging to see the positive impact this is having.  

"Mirroring the national picture, we are seeing an increase in the complexity of support required and it's more important than ever that partners work together to provide early intervention and support.  

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“It’s clear the important role school staff play in identifying young people that need support, we would always encourage any child, young person, parents and carers to reach out to the school for support, there are a number of services in place to support them."  

The Children and Families Service will meet on Monday 2^nd March 2026