New phone service for children and young people launched
A new one-stop-shop phone service for children and young people with emotional and mental health needs across Kirklees has been launched (1 April 2016).
The service, which has been commissioned by Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), will ensure that children and young adults are just a single phone call away from the support and advice they need.
Young people who need any non-emergency mental health service can now access what they need by calling 01924 492183.
The ASK CAMHS helpline (which stands for Access and Support for Kirklees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) has been developed as part of a wide-ranging plan designed to transform young people’s mental health services across Kirklees.
ASK CAMHS will be the first point of contact for young people experiencing emotional or mental health issues. It will also provide support to parents, teachers, health professionals and others who have concerns about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing or mental health needs.
Experienced workers will be available to provide information and advice and signpost to self-help resources. ASK CAMHS will also act as an access point to a range of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
ASK CAMHS is provided by independent charity Northorpe Hall Child & Family Trust. The phone line will operate on weekdays from 9am – 8pm (5pm on Friday); and Saturday from 9.30am – 1.30pm. It is aimed at people:
- who are aged between 5-18
- who are registered with a Kirklees GP
- whose emotions are impacting on their daily functioning.
Dr Steve Ollerton, local GP and Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG, said: “We know that young people and their parents can find it difficult to access the support they need at the right time. They gave us a very strong message about wanting a single point of contact for advice, guidance and access to local services.”
Dr David Kelly, GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees CCG said: “All the evidence shows that a ‘one-stop-shop’ style approach, which links NHS and council services, can improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families. I am sure the service will be welcomed by teachers and local health professionals too.”