Children's mental health service to tackle delays

A new NHS-led mental health programme for children and teenagers in Shropshire has launched, hoping to tackle long wait times in the county.

The child and adolescent services will be delivered by the Midlands Partnership University NHS Trust (MPFT), replacing and expanding on its current BeeU service.

The new service model, which has launched as a three year programme, will be prioritising easier access, earlier support and more joined-up care over the next three years to ensure the right help is available at the right time, the council said.

Cathy Riley, Managing Director of MPFT's said she understood if some families had felt "frustrated" with delays in the past.

"We're keen that children, young people, families, carers and professionals have the opportunity to continue shaping the service over the next three years, and we will also work closely with our local authorities, schools, and voluntary and community sector partners," she added.

The service hopes to help with emotional wellbeing and mental health for people aged 0-25, ADHD in children aged 6-18 and autism in children aged 5-18.

It will also provide help for eating problems for children and young people aged up to 18 years.

Some of the changes coming over the next three years include:

• One front door for information and referrals, guiding people to the right support
• Earlier help and support while waiting
• Joined‑up care so families don't repeat their story
• Support from 0–25 years old, with planned moves into adult services where required
• Fair access and targeted support for vulnerable groups, including the development, in partnership with local authorities, of an enhanced pathway for children with specific needs in this area
• An improved digital offer providing greater choice to children, young people and families in how to access the support they need
• An enhanced pathway to more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable children will be developed later this year, in partnership with local authorities as part of the ongoing transformation of the service

Gemma Smith, Director of Commissioning at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: "Our goal is clear and positive: the right help at the right time, sooner and closer to home, with children, families and professionals continuing to shape the service every step of the way."

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