Children’s Mental Health Week: HPFT offers early support to try and prevent mental health challenges from escalating
06 Feb 24
Mental health is about how we feel, the thoughts we have and how this affects the choices we make and how we behave. It is also how able we are to cope with what is happening in our daily lives.
As children and young people develop and grow into young adults, it is important they are equipped with the tools to be resilient and have the ability to manage the challenges that life brings.
Children and young people deserve the best start in life and if any mental health challenges can be addressed at an early stage, it is hoped that this will prevent more intensive intervention from our services further down the line.
So how can HPFT help?
HPFT’s 24-hour Single Point of Access (SPA) service is managed by experienced mental health professionals and support staff who can help with non-urgent advice and support. The team can assist in a variety of ways including helping to put worries and anxieties in perspective, signposting to local services and making referrals if needed. They can also provide information on diagnoses, mental health issues and medication and supporting those in crisis with a plan to ensure they get the right help.
The Sandbox is another source of support, providing an online mental health digital advice and guidance service for 10-25 year olds. They can help young people to understand and learn ways to manage their feelings, so they feel happier and more able to cope with the ups and down of life that we all experience. The website has games, worksheets, group chats and online events for children, young people, their parents/carers, teachers and other professionals. Internet enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT), or one to one support from professional therapists by text, phone, online chat or video call is also available, based on the young person’s needs.
Mental Health Support Teams in Schools
The MHST’s work in schools and support with mild to moderate challenges. Issues they work with the children and young people on include anxiety, anger management, promoting positive behaviour, resilience and facing a feared situation. Find out more about what they do here <hyper link to web news story>.
HPFT also offers a range of more intensive services depending on the needs of the child and young person which includes CAMHS outpatient clinics, eating disorders service, a forensic adolescent practitioner service and Young Persons Substance Misuse Team. For further details on the services CAMHS provides visit the dedicated CAMHS website: CAMHS Partnership (hpftcamhs.nhs.uk)
Children and young people who use our services have also suggested the organisations below that might be helpful:
Young Minds
If you are a young person experiencing a mental health crisis, you can text the Young Minds Crisis Messenger for free, 24/7 support, for more information click here.
Samaritans
For more information visit the Samaritans webpage here.
Email them at jo@samaritans.org or Call them on 116 123 for free.
You can talk to Samaritans for as long as you need to.
You don’t have to tell us your name or any personal details if you don’t want to.
When you contact us we can’t see your telephone number and your email address is
removed before it reaches a volunteer.
Youth Connexions
For a variety of practical information and advice and support visit www.ychertfordshire.org
ChildLine
For more information visit the Childline website here.
Contact them online or call them on 0800 1111 for free.
We're a safe place for you to talk.
Calls are not recorded and our number won't show up on any phone bills.
Healthy Young Minds in Herts
Visit healthyyoungmindsinherts.org.uk for information on emotional health and wellbeing support.
Hub of Hope
Visit www.hubofhope.co.uk and put in your postcode or postcodes nearby to find local support.
Mind in Mid Herts
Local support and information available at www.mindinmidherts.org.uk
Headspace
A simple meditation app, with a free trial, to help you feel calmer. Available to download on the App store.
Headmeds
Young person friendly information on medication available at www.headmeds.org.uk
Get Self Help
Visit www.getselfhelp.co.uk to download free worksheets which may help you.