Children’s mental health and wellbeing

Future in Mind: Our vision for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing

Growing up is meant to be one of the very best times in anyone’s life but it can also be tough. There are many pressures children and young people face, the impact of the pandemic on our children’s mental health is well documented and some children, such as those living in care and or leaving care, are exposed to situations and experiences that can make them particularly vulnerable.

Experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties is not unusual. Recent reports indicate that at least one in six children and young people experience mental health concerns. It is also recognised that over half of the mental health problems in adult life (excluding dementia) start by the age of 14 and seventy-five per cent by age 18.

Although mental health issues are relatively common, it is often the case that children and young people don’t get the help they need as quickly as they should. As a result, mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, depression, conduct disorders and eating disorders can stop some young people achieving what they want in life and making a full contribution to society.

We pledge to be clear about how resources are being used, ensuring we work in partnership with young people, children, their families and providers to make good investment decisions. 

Find out more

You can find out more in the related documents below: 

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Plan Refresh – October 2023

The transformation of children and young people’s mental health is led locally.  This means local professionals from across the NHS services; public health; the private, voluntary and independent sector; children’s services in local authorities; education and youth justice work together with children, young people and their families to design and provide the best possible start in life for children and young people in Derby and Derbyshire.

Each year NHS England requires that systems publish their Children and Young People Mental Health Transformation Plan to demonstrate progress aligned to the NHS England long-term plan. Our Joined Up Care Derbyshire plan describes the emotional and mental health needs of children and young people, partnership plans to improve our offer, investments, progress to date as well explaining our plans going forward.

Our key commitments and ‘golden threads’ for transformation are:

• We will tackle health inequality to ensure equitable access to mental health services for all children and young people, regardless of background or circumstance.
• We will work together to reduce wait times and provide timely access to a graduated pathway of mental health support, so that children and young people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
• We will enable children and young people to achieve positive mental health outcomes though evidence-based treatment and flexible support options.
• We will develop joined up working practices to ensure seamless transitions and provide compassionate, persona centred mental health care that values and responds to each child and young person’s unique needs.

Our previous transformation plans can be found here:

Neuro Development Pathway – Southern Derbyshire

Referrals onto the neurodevelopmental pathway are assessed by a multi-agency team as part of the Children’s Services Single Point of Access (SPOA).  You will find additional resources on Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website, including:

• Neurodevelopment Pathway
• The Journey Plan
• Glossary

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from health, social care, educational or third sector professionals. These referrals are for children and young people whose GPs are in Southern Derbyshire.

To make a referral, please download and complete from Derbyshire Healthcare website, supplying as much information as possible so that that the assessment is carried out by the most appropriate professional(s). Referrals will not be processed without the completed questionnaires.

Returning the completed forms

The completed forms can be submitted by:

Email: dhcft.SPOA@nhs.net
Post: Single Point of Access, Temple House, Mill Hill Lane, Derby DE23 6SA
Fax: 01332 293 316

If you need to discuss a new or existing referral, the Single Point of Access Administrator can be contacted on 0300 7900 264. 

Neuro Development Pathway – North Derbyshire

In the North of the county referrals referrals can only be made by letter by health professionals, such as GPs, addressed to:

Paediatrics Department , The Den, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Calow S44 5BL.

Referrals are only for children whose GPs are in North Derbyshire. However, health professionals can refer from out of this area as long as the child lives in North Derbyshire.

For enquiries, call the Department on 01246 514 549. 

Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health & Wellbeing Website

Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health & Wellbeing Website offers a range of information from different organisations to help support health and wellbeing. The website provides a one-stop-shop where you can find local information about available emotional health and wellbeing support and how to access it, there is a dedicated section for children and young people.

Kooth

Kooth is a free online Mental Health and Wellbeing resource for children and young people in Derby and Derbyshire that requires no formal referral, instead only requiring the user to set up an account on the website. Available 365 days of the year via mobile, tablet and desktop devices from 12 noon to 10pm Monday-Friday and 6pm-10pm at weekends, the service provides access to accredited counselling support, peer support via online forums and relevant articles detailing a variety of topics.  

To sign up, please visit www.kooth.com

Build Sound Minds Derby and Derbyshire

Build Sound Minds Derby and Derbyshire is a new service which provides specialist support for children and young people aged 0-17 who are likely to present emotional and mental difficulties but do not meet the thresholds for more specialist services.

Through early intervention they are able to build resilience and reduce the development of more serious emotional and mental health issues, better preparing children and young people for the challenges of life.

Visit their website to see how to make a referral

Mental Health Support Line 

A new mental health support line run by the NHS and operating 24 hours, seven days a week has been set up to provide access to support for people of all ages in Derby and Derbyshire. 

The line is run by experienced mental health professionals who are equipped to provide mental health support and advice, support for people experiencing immediate distress or to their families or carers & a professional point of contact for health and social care partners to support any individuals in mental distress.

Please call 0800 028 0077 for free; mental health professionals will be on hand to help.

Learning Disability Health checks

Did you know that if you are over 14 years old and have a diagnosed Learning Disability you are entitled to an annual health check with your GP?

To find out more information including how to access this health check and what happens, visit the Mencap website.

Children and Young People Festival Report