News from our partners: Trust to launch mental health support teams in trailblazing Government scheme

News from our partners Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has been successfully selected to introduce Mental Health Support teams in a trailblazing Government programme which will put mental health experts into schools and colleges across the country.

In a bid to support children and young people who struggle with their mental health, the programme will see 124 new Mental Health Support teams created across 48 areas.

Each team will support approximately 20 schools and colleges with the aim of speeding up access to specialist services and building on support already in place from professionals such as school counsellors, nurses, educational psychologists and the voluntary sector. Supporting more children and young people to get the help and care they need, when they need it.

Neil Carr, Chief Executive of MPFT today said:

“The mental health and well-being of children and young people should never be underestimated and I am extremely pleased to see the national commitment which has been made to children, young people and their families through the introduction of Mental Health Support teams.

“The aim of staff who specialise in working with children and young people experiencing mental health struggles is to provide care that will enable them to thrive in the future. Therefore, I am confident that the joined up work of Mental Health Support teams and our partners in education and the voluntary sector will play a vital role in enhancing the mental health and well-being of local children and adolescents.”

MPFT, which provides physical and mental health care, learning disabilities and social care services, will introduce Mental Health Support teams in Shropshire, Staffordshire  and Telford & Wrekin following successful bids across the areas.

The successful bids will see two teams set up in Shropshire; one covering Shropshire Council’s area, and another covering Telford. An additional two teams will be established in east Staffordshire. Teams will include roles such as educational mental health practitioners, primary mental health workers, therapists and team managers.

The launch of Mental Health Support teams, which aim to be operational by December 2020, is part of the Government’s plans to transform children and young people’s mental health through the NHS Long Term Plan.