Children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Unmet needs
It is clear from this needs assessment that many of the key services and support are in place in South Tyneside. What does appear to be lacking is work on promotion, awareness raising and self-care relating to MHEW, and the clarity of pathways and access routes for more specialist services, for professionals, parents / carers and children themselves.
The needs of parents are largely unmet in terms of information and advice about how to support young people with MHEW issues. Family Therapy is now being offered by the Lifecycle Service; however more could be done to support families who are not in formal services.
Support for young people will low level emotional health issues is not consistent across the board. Young people tell us that they do not have 'someone to talk to' in Universal setting. Low level support provided at the right time can prevent young people from suffering from more complex serious mental illness.
From the needs assessment, it is not clear if Resilience skills are being built by Universal staff such as GP's, school staff, school nurses, health visitors, practice nurses, sport coaches and youth workers. A clearer training offer is needed for the borough outside of the schools setting.
Support for women pre and perinatal needs to be met through good quality psychological support. In particular the needs of women with personality disorder are largely missing.
A comprehensive robust program of support is needed for young people in crisis which is currently not being provided.
The needs young people who are referred to mental health services are not consistently being met in a timely manner. Waiting times for young people are a concern and they are being closely monitored as part of service contracts. The target outlined in the CAMHS Transformation Plan is 4 week standard wait by 2020 and a 25% less waiting time for vulnerable young people such as those who are looked after.
The needs of young people who are diagnosed with an eating disorder are also not being met. This is a specific target of the CAMHS transformation plan.