If you’re waiting or hoping for support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), you’re not alone. The Children’s Commissioner reported that many of the million children waiting for support have their cases closed without even being seen.
Families across the UK, often worried about their child’s anxiety, are facing increasingly long waits—sometimes over a year—for support. It’s a frustrating, exhausting situation to be in when your child needs help, and as a parent, you want to do everything you can.
Let’s start by acknowledging the incredible work CAMHS staff do under immense pressure. They’re dealing with a surge in referrals for children and young people struggling with their mental health. While it’s easy to assume that the aftershocks of COVID-19 or increasing recognition of neurodivergence are the main causes, the reality is more complex. Yes, those factors play a role, but rising stress levels in families, overstretched school systems, and societal challenges like the cost of living crisis all contribute to the growing demand.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start helping your child. At lumin&us®, we focus on the here and now. Your child’s behaviour is telling you something about their inner world—whether it’s frustration, fear, or just a sense of being overwhelmed. And the good news is, you can use relational play to address those needs today.
Why Play Matters in the Waiting Game
Play is more than a distraction—it’s a powerful tool rooted in neuroscience. When children play, their brain gets a chance to calm and reset, helping them regulate big emotions and develop critical social skills. Relational play—play that connects you and your child—creates safety and trust, which are essential for emotional growth.
For example, if your child struggles with tantrums or seems withdrawn, simple, playful activities like building a den together, playing clapping games, or even sharing a snack can make a huge difference. These moments strengthen your bond and help your child feel seen and understood, even if they can’t yet articulate what’s wrong.
At lumin&us®️, we’ve taken clinical research and made it accessible for families. Our app helps you manage both your emotional state and your child’s, guiding you through playful, connection-based activities tailored to real-world parenting challenges. These tools aren’t about fixing your child; they’re about helping you respond to their behaviour with empathy and connection—whether they have a diagnosis or not.
A Preventative Approach for Mental Wellbeing
Waiting for CAMHS can feel like everything is on hold, but the truth is, you don’t have to wait for expert intervention to make a difference. Play can act as an early, preventative solution, reducing stress for both you and your child while promoting their mental wellbeing.
So, if you’re feeling stuck while waiting for CAMHS, try this: put down the worry and pick up the play. Even small moments of connection can help your child feel safe and secure—and remind you that you’re not powerless in this journey.
Would you like to learn more about how lumin&us®️ can support your family? Click on the download links below to being supporting your child’s mental health today.
