Health and emotional wellbeing services
Details of health and wellbeing services that are available across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to support children and young people and how to access them can be found by clicking on ‘view all health and wellbeing services’.
With regards to mental health specifically, Mental Health Support in Schools (MHST) are part of a national programme who aim to reduce inequalities and increase access to mental health support for children and young people. MHST is an early intervention service for children and young people who are experiencing low to moderate mental health concerns and provides support to children and young people aged 5-18 years (in education) who attend one of the participating schools. The Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) service works with almost 100 schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The team offers support to children and young people who are experiencing low mood, worry, anxiety and avoidance (e.g. simple phobias or separation anxiety) and sleep difficulties. Mental health concerns regarding specific children and young people are referred by the school’s mental health lead following discussion with the MHST team. Advice and signposting to other appropriate services can also be provided by MHST.
Safeguarding Children partners for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have also worked together to develop guidance to support good practice from all practitioners when working with young people where self-harm and suicide are concerns. It does not replace the need to seek specialist support and advice but does encourage open conversations with young people and provides some examples of questions that can assist a better understanding of the young person’s needs, together with a specific safety plan that can be used to try to create safety for young people.
You can also find further information and guidance in relation to promoting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing on the Department for Education website.