Agenda item

The Board to receive an update on:

·       Mental Health and Personal Resilience; and

·       the Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Plan.

Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing in Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster

2.1           Jeff Lake (Deputy Director of Public Health) provided the Board with an overview of the services and activities that promoted emotional health and wellbeing and prevented mental ill health in children and young people.

2.2           The Board was interested to note how a person’s physical and mental health and wellbeing was influenced throughout their life by the wider determinants of health, which were a diverse range of social, economic and environmental factors, alongside behavioural risk factors. A life course approach was being adopted which meant identifying key opportunities for minimising risk factors and enhancing protective factors through evidence-based interventions at key life stages; from preconception, to early years and adolescence, working age and into older age. An overview was then provided of the variety of local prevention and promotion services that contributed towards improving mental health and wellbeing and how these services were funded.

2.3           The Board held a detailed discussion on the following aspects of the paper:

·         Analysis of data for the local population indicated that deprivation, poverty and homelessness were particular challenges across Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea. It was explained that more than half of temporary accommodation provided to those families at risk of homelessness were located outside of the borough. The Board was pleased to note that the needs of these families had been mapped and there was a good understanding of the pre-birth to 5 pathway. Work was underway to redesign the service and target those families at an early stage who required additional support.

·         In response to a question over weaknesses identified in the current system it was explained that overall the situation was very positive. It was recognised that residents and patients did identify the complexity of the offer as an issue but the implementation of the Family Hubs was helping to link together services and increase awareness amongst residents of what services were available.

5.4      The Board endorsed the coordination of provision in order to improve outcomes and ensure the best use of resources in addressing mental health concerns. It was requested though that the paper reflect the trauma informed systemic training being undertaken at the Family Hubs and the positive impact it was having on emotional wellbeing. Also, given the increasing levels of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children within the boroughs it was suggested that this element, and the challenges it posed, should potentially be reflected in the paper.

Joint CCG and Bi-borough Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Plan

5.5       Jon Daly (Strategic Commissioner for Children’s Services) and Simon Brauner-Cave (Children’s Commissioner - Central London CCG) introduced a report summarising the key elements of the Joint CCG and Bi-borough Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Plan. It was explained that the Plan reflected the strength and importance of partnership working. It was an ambitious plan which set out the current provision and key next steps to improve the offer over the next 18 months. It focused on children and young peoples emotional wellbeing and mental health needs in the ‘coping’ Thrive category and above. The importance of early intervention was stressed as 10 years was the average delay between a young person first showing symptoms of mental ill health and receiving help. The Chair explained that a schools mental health event had been held in November 2019 which had received very positive feedback from those participating. The Board congratulated all those involved with organising the event and expressed its thanks to the partner organisations Place2Be and Young Minds.

5.6      The Board was provided with an overview of the following key areas:

·         Specialist CAMHS Services – These services were delivered by CNWL NHS Trust who worked in supporting children, young people and their families with complex mental health difficulties.

·         Trailblazer Mental Health Support Teams – The Teams operated across both boroughs providing support for mild to moderate mental health needs in schools and colleges. The Teams also supported pupil resilience helping to deal with issues around academic pressure and self-confidence. The Board was pleased to note the recent successful bid to become a Wave 2 Trailblazer site in the Central London CCG. This would result in a further 33 schools and colleges receiving support through this programme.

5.7      An update was provided to the Board on key challenges faced including CAMHS productivity, services provided to 0-5 and 18-25 year olds and support provided to teachers as part of a whole school approach. It was recognised that the complexity of the overall service offer was confusing and this was an area which required developing for users. In response to a question from the Board it was also explained that the situation regarding autism diagnosis was developing however it still required significant improvement. The importance of early identification (age and stage) was highlighted to ensure the correct services and support were delivered effectively. The Board was informed that a parallel piece of work concerning autism diagnosis was being undertaken between Imperial College NHS Trust and the CCGs and welcomed a suggestion that this be brought to a future Board meeting.

5.8      The Board was pleased with the work undertaken on the Plan and noted that one of the priorities related to vulnerable groups. Concern was expressed over the CAMHS contribution to Education, Health and Care Plans, both in terms of timeliness and the quality of the information provided. It was acknowledged there was an action plan to tackle this issue going to the Children and Family Act Board in early 2020 but the Board also requested oversight due to the importance of the work. The Board asked that an update be provided at its next meeting.

           RESOLVED:

That the Joint CCG and Bi-borough Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Plan be approved and published.