Two teams that have been providing mental health support to children within education settings have been praised for breaking down barriers and providing vital support.
In 2019 Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced that it had been successful in a bid to be awarded funding for a joint initiative by NHS England and DfE which would enable the implementation of Mental Health Support Teams in schools.
Enough funding was secured for two teams in the Morecambe Bay area, one covering Morecambe and Heysham schools and the other one covering Barrow Peninsular High Schools. Each team has six mental health professionals and 8,000 children in each area have access to the support they provide.
The teams have been able to offer wider support to the schools from January 2021 whilst they finished off their training, and within only two months, the feedback has been positive. Pupils at the schools have renamed the service “Moving Mindsets”.
Andrea Amacna, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Head of Year 9 at Walney Secondary School said: “Since welcoming the mental health practitioners into Walney school I have been so pleased with the support they have been able to offer.
“I've seen such positive changes within the students since they've been referred and it has been wonderful that they have been picked up so swiftly by the fantastic team working with our school, this service is having a really positive impact on the wellbeing of our students.
“So far, we have had around 30 pupils who have taken part in one-to-one support CBT therapy sessions and the list is growing. It’s a vital service for Walney and I’m so grateful for this fantastic team.”
The teams provide early intervention on mild to moderate mental health issues, such as exam stress, behavioural difficulties or friendship issues, as well as providing support to the staff to develop a whole school approach to mental wellbeing.
They act as a link with local children and young people’s mental health services and are run and managed by Barnardo’s while supervised by NHS staff.
Beverly Martindale, Safeguarding Manager at Lancaster and Morecambe College said: “To be able to liaise with a Mental Health practitioner for guidance and support is a very new experience for Lancaster and Morecambe College (LMC). It has given both me and the senior management team at LMC the confidence to know that we now have a professional service in place to help support our young people and vulnerable adults.”
Proposals for schools to have Mental Health Support Teams were set out in the Children and Young People Mental Health Green Paper and Long-Term Plan for the NHS.
Dr Lauren Dixon, GP Executive Lead for Children and Young People at Morecambe Bay CCG said: “This is fantastic news for the local area and I’m so happy to hear that the schools are already seeing the benefits of having Mental Health Support Teams available to them.
“For many children, lockdown restrictions have been particularly difficult so providing support for their mental health is vital and we would encourage them and their families to seek help if needed.
“Having Mental Health Support Teams in schools means that children with mental health needs get help at a much earlier stage and our CAMHS services can then focus on those who need the specialist input they provide.
“The bid was specifically targeted to meet the needs that young people have told us about, and it was developed in partnership with schools, the voluntary sector, CAMHS and local authorities.”
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
