Bridging the Gap Understanding neurological conditions and mental health in children and young peop

An estimated 1 in 6 people live with a neurological condition, including children and young people. A neurological condition is any condition that affects the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves. There are over 600 known neurological conditions, many of which are rare and life-limiting. Often, children and young people living with a neurological condition will require additional support. This webinar explores the often-overlooked mental health impact of neurological conditions on children and young people. Aimed at professionals working with children and young people and those working in local authorities, it will highlight how neurological conditions can affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and daily functioning, often in ways that are not immediately visible. Drawing on evidence and case studies, the session will examine the challenges children and families face in accessing appropriate support, including gaps in understanding and service provision. The webinar will also share practical insights, recommendations, and sources of support to help professionals better recognise need, respond effectively, and work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people. This webinar is hosted by the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, an alliance of over 50 charities and organisations that represent people with neurological conditions and those who support them. Find out more about our work by visiting www.scottishneurological.org.uk. About the speakers: Gillian Mathewson is the Founder and Chair of Trustees of PANS+ Scotland, a not-for-profit organisation working to improve understanding, recognition and rights‑based support for children, young people and adults in Scotland affected by Paediatric Acute‑onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and other immune‑mediated neuropsychiatric conditions. She is a GTC registered teacher, and a former principal teacher of maths, has an SCQF level 10 module in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at grade A, and is an Alumni of the NHS Education for Scotland Digital Health and Care Leadership (DLP) Programme. Gillian has a particular focus on supporting the needs of children and young people, and as a teacher was involved in programmes developing project-based learning, relationship-based practice and deepening understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), all of which have informed the work of PANS+ Scotland. As parent of a child impacted by PANS, Gillian has brought her lived experience together with her professional knowledge of supporting children and young people within the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) framework in Scotland. Her work focuses on strengthening awareness, improving access to trusted information, and advocating for coordinated support so that the rights of affected individuals are fully realised. PANS+ Scotland was founded in October 2025, and have applied to be registered as an SCIO with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Alison Phillipps is Head of Quality, Partnerships and Innovation at Craighalbert and currently chairs the Neurological Alliance of Scotland Mental Health Subgroup. With over 30 years' experience supporting children and young people with complex neurological conditions and their families, Alison has worked across education, therapy, and care services in mainstream, specialist, private, and third-sector settings. A Montessori teacher by training, her expertise spans early intervention, service development, quality improvement, and organisational leadership. Alison is passionate about improving outcomes for children through evidence-informed practice, collaborative working, and innovative approaches that recognise the close relationship between neurological conditions, emotional wellbeing, and mental health. She has a particular interest in developing integrated services, strengthening partnerships across education, health, and social care, and contributing to policy and national guidance that supports children and families to thrive.