News

This Children’s Mental Health Week, children, young people and parents/carers are being reminded of the range of emotional wellbeing support easily available from the click of a button in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Local children’s mental health support is provided by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which is responsible for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), as well as teams such as Reach4Wellbeing, Wellbeing and Emotional Support Teams in Schools and other specialist services.

In addition, there is a range of online/digital services which children and families can access quickly and conveniently to help maintain good mental health or provide help and advice on a range of issues, from bullying, anxiety and low mood.

This includes a new, recently launched children’s mental health website which has lots of support, links and information for children, young people, families and professionals in one place.

What is available today:

• New one-stop shop resource for children and young people’s mental health support - www.camhs.hacw.nhs.uk 
• Available in both counties, Kooth enables young people to access safe, free and anonymous online advice to support their emotional wellbeing and mental health. Visit  www.kooth.com/
• ChatHealth, a secure and confidential texting service that enables young people in Worcestershire to speak directly to a school health nurse is available to those aged 11-19 years. Text 0750 733 1750 for confidential advice on issues like bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, alcohol, and drugs - www.startingwellworcs.nhs.uk/chathealth

Elaine Cook-Tippins, CAMHS Lead at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: “It can be a really confusing and difficult time when you’re struggling with how you’re feeling, especially when you’re growing up and experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings. But no matter how you’re feeling, you are not alone.

There’s many tools and resources which you can access online or by phone straight away and which you can continue to use when you need some help or advice. And if you need a bit more support, we are here for you and have a number of options available to young people, parents, and carers.”

• Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Wellbeing and Emotional Support Teams are available in a range of schools, providing early access to mental health support - www.camhs.hacw.nhs.uk/west
• In Worcestershire, Reach4Wellbeing’s online group courses help with emotional wellbeing for children and young people aged 5-18 and parents of primary school age children. Reach4Wellbeing is part of children’s mental health services (CAMHS). You can self-refer online:  www.camhs.hacw.nhs.uk/reach4wellbeing
• In both counties, anyone aged 16+ can contact Healthy Minds for mental health help. The service offers support to people who feel low, anxious, worried, or depressed. Online therapy to do at your own pace is available, as well as self-referral into group therapy, or more traditional 1:1 support. Find out more: nowweretalking.nhs.uk/

Anyone needing urgent mental health help can call our 24/7 mental health helpline on 0808 196 9127. The service is open to people of all ages – including children and young people. When calling the number, you can expect to speak to mental health advisors and/or trained mental health clinicians who will be able to listen to your concerns and help make appropriate plans with you to support you.

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