Boost for children and young people’s mental health services funding in Kirklees
CCGs in Kirklees are to receive additional funding to ensure that children and young people have access to emotional health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges.
Last year, Kirklees was identified as a ‘Trailblazer’ for a national mental health programme, which included funding to set up two Mental Health Support Teams working across 39 educational establishments in Kirklees. These teams will be operational from this September.
The additional funding announced last week (12 July 2019) will support the setting up of two further support teams in our area and expand the number of schools and colleges that receive help. It’s anticipated that this further provision will be available from spring 2020.
Carol McKenna, Chief Officer for Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees CCGs said: “I’m delighted that our bid for additional funding has been successful. We have a very effective partnership approach in Kirklees that’s making a real difference to local services and to the lives of children, young people and families who rely on them. This extra money provides a boost to our efforts”.
Cllr Carole Pattison, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for learning, aspiration and communities said; “Receiving support with mental health issues is essential to children and young people having the best start in life.
“Kirklees Council is a strong supporter of this work and we are pleased that schools and colleges will be able to access further specialist teams, giving vulnerable young people the extra help they need.”
Mental Health support teams are made up of specially trained expert practitioners who provide early intervention support to children and young people with mild to moderate mental health issues. They also help staff in identifying and supporting pupils with mental health needs.
Kirklees children and young people will also benefit from the Link Programme, a £9.3 million national scheme which will see every school, college and alternative provision receiving training designed to raise awareness of mental health concerns and improve referrals to specialist help when needed.