Early support for mental health
24 Jan 2008
Improved support for mental health issues at an early age is to be trialled in 25 local authorities, the minister for young people has announced.
Kevin Brennan said each local authority and corresponding primary care trust will work with between three and six secondary schools and their associated primary school.
This collaboration will aim to deliver better support for children who are at risk of, or who are already experiencing, mental health problems.
Health professionals and relevant services will be provided to ensure holistic help and support is available for children and their families.
Results from the trials will help shape the national targeted mental health in schools strategy in 2009-10 and 2010-11.
"Good mental health and wellbeing are crucial to ensuring that all our children and young people can learn, achieve and fulfil their potential," Mr Brennan said.
"Early detection and intervention through schools and nurseries is vital in doing this.
"Each pilot will be implementing innovative ways to ensure a better service to some of their most vulnerable children and families."
The trials will be funded by part of the £60 million set aside last year to promote mental wellbeing in schools.
The local authorities involved are Luton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Leicester City, Lincolnshire, Hackney, Merton, Southwark, Gateshead, Northumberland, Sunderland, Blackburn & Darwen, Blackpool, Bury, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Reading, Leeds, North East Lincolnshire, Coventry, Shropshire, Wolverhampton, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Cornwall.
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