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 for improvement had been developed.

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 a mobilisation and implementation period, but improvements had already been seen in waiting list times.

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.

Members also heard of the bereavement and healthy relationship councillor roles, which operated boroughwide.

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 had been rolled out to educational settings;

-       The role of schools and school settings:- investment has been made with schools having a designated mental health lead, and a forum to share best practice and input into service development has been developed;

-       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;

-       Engagement and Coproduction:- working with such as the Youth Council, there has been significant engagement over the summer, and charter for services to commit to has been developed.

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.

Members discussed past issues and variable relationships with schools, with many now being academies.  Assurances were given that all secondary schools were engaged with the agenda.  It was noted that it was mandatory to have a designated mental health lead in all schools, and for these to be fully trained.  Whilst not all primary schools were taking part, it was hoped that this would be developed over time, with the opinion of schools sought on the barriers.  It was hoped that schools would see the benefits of engaging in due course.

Those present discussed the waiting times associated with different CAMHS pathways, and whilst many of these had improved, there was still need for further improvement.  It was suggested that historically emphasis had been on diagnosis, with more support required once a diagnosis had been given.

Members noted the need to improve access to mental health services for all residents, with much to do in order to improve waiting times for those with serious mental illness.  Members heard of the recently established Mental Health Partnership, and it was noted that the concerns of Members could feed into the group.

RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentation and update.