Agenda item

Lauren Nixon, CYP Emotional Health and Wellbeing Transformation Lead, was welcomed to the meeting.  Members were made aware of the work to date in this area.  A mapping and scoping exercise had been undertaken in order to record all services supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of young people. From this a number of recommendations had been developed into an improvement plan.

A multi-agency group on the theme had been convened, which was well attended by a broad spectrum of organisations.  The formation of the group was designed to enable strategic decisions to be made collectively.

The CAMHS service specification had also been reviewed and a model developed which puts the child at the heart.  Members heard how the service was now in an implementation period.  A Mental Health Support Team was also in the mobilisation phase.  Specialising in early intervention and mental health support in schools, the service would be fully operational by March 2022, but was already operating in all secondary and special schools, and some primary schools.

Investment had been made to provide a physical space, with the CYP Emotional Health and Wellbeing Hub located in the town centre.  This was partly operational but would be launched fully in the new year.

Members were made aware of the CYP Emotional Health and Wellbeing Improvement Plan which focused on 5 key areas:-

-       Early Intervention and Prevention:-  assistance is provided through a mental health support team supporting schools to embed a whole school approach to mental health including looking at the causes of mental health issues and how to support those with adverse childhood experiences;

-       Workforce Development:- a training calendar has been developed which haa been rolled out to educational settings;

-       The role of schools and school settings:-  lots of work has been undertaken with school, and investment has been made to provide support through mental health support teams,

-       Improved support for vulnerable children and young people:- the Mental Health Support Team specifically work with groups such as LGBT, Young Carers, and those at risk of exclusion.  It was noted that these groups were not exhaustive and were under review;

-       Engagement and Co-production:- working with such as the Youth Council, there has been significant engagement over the summer, an engagement strategy was in development.

Members noted the ongoing workstreams, which included the Self Harm Strategy, All Age Eating Disorder Working Group, development of the Hub Building and the provision of a centralised multi-agency training offer.

trained.

The demand for the bereavement support service was noted and Members heard that a business case was being developed for more sustainable funding.

Members discussed how to engage smaller organisations, and suggestions were welcomed.   Questions were raised in relation to support for those Electively Home Educated, and it was noted that parents were made aware of support by the Education Welfare Service.

With reference to eating disorders and self-harming, questions were raised about support for families, and it was noted that this was available for the families of those suffering with eating disorders if referred through CAMHS. However,  a gap had been identified in relation to self-harm and options were being considered how to address this.

With reference to the training offer and how this could be made more widely available, it was noted that anyone working with Children and Young People could set up an account on POD and access the training.

Those present discussed the waiting times to access CAMHS, it was noted that there had been some improvement with on average 7 days from referral to appointment and three months to assessment.  However, it was noted that improvements made in young people accessing earlier interventions could also impact on this.

Discussions took place regarding support in schools, in particular in relation to reducing exclusions.  it was noted that the SEND team had a SEND improvement officer to work with schools to review practice and support development in all areas of SEND provision.  Mental health support teams would also provide one-to-one support for students and help identify gaps in support.  It was noted that progress in reducing exclusions would be monitored by the Education Welfare Service.

Members asked to what extent were local schools engaging with the agenda, and it was noted that this did vary, but all secondary schools were engaged as were three primary schools in the area.  It was hoped that Ofsted’s increased consideration of this area, and the impacts seen from positive engagement, would further encourage schools to take part.

In relation to the local offer website, it was acknowledged that this was not easy to use. However, work was taking place with young people, including Barnsley Youth Council to update this.

RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentation and update