Mental health involvement
Evidence tells us that early intervention, when issues arise, helps to prevent mental health problems developing in the future. There is a range of available support from Lincolnshire’s mental health teams that is focussed on providing children and young people with early interventions to prevent emotional wellbeing worries escalating into mental health concerns. This should be built into school’s effective whole school systems.
Healthy Minds provides emotional wellbeing support for children and young people up to 19 years old (or 25 years old for young people with SEND or are a care leaver). The support offered is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. They offer self-help, workshops, virtual groups and one to one sessions. Mental health support teams (MHST) are an expanding service designed to help meet the mental health needs of children and young people in selected education settings. Teams are made up of clinical lead practitioners and education mental health practitioners (EMHPs). They work collaboratively with selected education settings.
If a parent or carer is worried about their child’s mental health, or a young person is concerned about their own mental health, they can discuss these with school. Alternatively, Here4You offers an advice and self-referral line for parent and carers of children, and for young people (aged 13 or over), who are struggling with their emotional or mental health and are not currently being supported by Healthy Minds, mental health support team or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). There is an online self-referral form and access to information about online workshops, websites and tips from young people to young people.
In relation to the EBSA pathway, it is important not to expect too much too soon, but where there has been limited progress it may be appropriate to invite a mental health practitioner to support the review of the support plan. School will be able to do this as appropriate.
