(UK) Hertfordshire schools to test Mental Health Support Teams for primary/secondary schools

Jan 27, 2019, Herts Advertiser: Hertfordshire to be national trailblazer in schools’ mental health support https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/more-mental-health-support-for-children-in-hertfordshire-schools-1-5861154 Hertfordshire has been chosen as a national trailblazer in school mental health support, with children set to get early help from specialist teams as part of a new initiative. The government has named Hertfordshire as one of only 25 areas to launch Mental Health Support Teams for schoolchildren this year. Doctor Geraldine O’Sullivan, clinical lead for mental health at the Hertfordshire and west Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, said: “I’m delighted Hertfordshire has been chosen as a trailblazer in testing Mental Health Support Teams for primary and secondary school pupils. “Our plan will see 40 schools supported by two teams of support workers, which could include youth workers as well as mental health practitioners, providing evidence-based support in community venues, not just schools. We are also planning on having parent education programmes provided by the voluntary sector. “This initiative will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people. It will further improve links between mental health services and schools to ensure children, parents and teachers know where they can get support and help for young people with mental health concerns.” … “School staff see young people day in, day out and are there for them at tough times, of course, but with these new teams we will be even better placed to help pupils in need.”