The IAPT service for children - Find a freedom of information request

Related to children and young people with autism/suspected autism.

Please could I be given some information on the IAPT service for children. I am aware that early help

workers can refer in when support required.

1. Could you please send me some information on the service they offer and if other health professionals can refer into this service also.
 

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

Lincolnshire has a number of services providing early intervention support for emotional wellbeing or mental health concerns that would encompass IAPT (now NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression):

Our online counselling service (Kooth) offers a safe and confidential online counselling and support service, which is available free to young people across the Lincolnshire area aged 11- 18 years old (up to age 25 if SEND or leaving care). It is available 12pm-10pm Mon-Fri and 6pm-10pm Sat-Sun.

Other non-counselling support is available 24/7. The service incorporates counselling, message boards, forums and advice on a range of topics including managing exam stress, healthy relationships, anxiety and bullying. It is open access to CYP in Lincolnshire by registering online at www.kooth.com.

Healthy Minds Lincolnshire provides emotional wellbeing support to children and young people up to age 19 (age 25 if SEND or leaving care), when they feel that life is getting out of control and they need some help to cope.

It is available 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri. The service focuses on early intervention, promoting resilience and the prevention of emotional wellbeing concerns escalating to mental health issues. CYP, parents/carers or professionals (including wider health professionals) can refer by calling 0800 234 6342. More information is available at www.lpft.nhs.uk/young-people/lincolnshire/professionals/service-offer-and-referrals/healthyminds-lincolnshire.

Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) are being introduced across Lincolnshire as part of a national roll-out. These teams provide additional support for low to moderate emotional and mental health concerns to children and young people and their families and carers through schools and colleges.

There are currently four MHSTs operational in Lincolnshire: two in Lincoln and Gainsborough (and surrounding area) and two in Boston and Skegness (and surrounding area). A further MHST is planned to be operational in Spalding from September 2023, followed by two more in Grantham and Sleaford (and surrounding area) from January 2024, and another covering the area south of Lincoln from January 2025. CYP, parents/carers or professionals (including wider health professionals) can refer by calling 0800 234 6342.

More information is available at www.lpft.nhs.uk/youngpeople/lincolnshire/professionals/service-offer-and-referrals/mentalhealth-support-teams.

Lincolnshire’s Early Help Service, provided by Lincolnshire County Council, has a number of trained Enhanced Evidenced Based Practitioners, who are able to support some families where CYP may also have emotional wellbeing or low-level mental health concerns.

More information on Early Help and the assessment process is available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/safeguarding/lscp/11 and any professionals with concerns around a child can complete an Early Help Assessment or call 01522 782111 to discuss how best to refer to children’s social care.