Can you help us spread the word in Children’s Mental Health Week (7 to 13 February 2022) about help and support available to children and young people in Kent and Medway?
NHS, council and community organisations are working together with young people in Kent and Medway to share information via social media about local services.
One in six children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem and many more struggle with challenges, from bullying to bereavement.
The Covid-19 pandemic changed everyone’s lives suddenly and children and young people need to know help and support is there for them.
Everyone is asked to help in Children’s Mental Health week by sharing information with children and young people they know or to help spread the word on social media using #CMHWKM.
Kent and Medway’s mental wellbeing information hub has information and advice about who to contact to get help.
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NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) lead for mental health Dr Jihad Malasi said:
“Everyone needs to look after their mental health – it is as important as your physical health. We want to make sure everyone knows there is support out there for children and young people in Kent and Medway.
“Whether you’re someone who works with children, a parent or carer, or just passionate about spreading the word, please help us reach as many children and young people as possible in Children’s Mental Health Week.”
In Kent, HeadStart supports young people, parents, as well as schools and community settings to develop their emotional wellbeing and resilience. MoodSpark, a website designed by young people for young people, embraces this concept and provides peers with tools, information, and guidance, enabling them to take ownership of their emotional wellbeing.
There has also been HeadStart support for community hubs in Ashford, Gravesham and Swale. Woodchurch Scout group, alongside the Kent Scouts County Inclusion and Diversity team, has been working through the community toolkit.
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Assistant County Commissioner Ryan Tudball said: “Using the toolkit made sure we were in a strong position to reopen scouting locally and that our young people’s social and emotional needs were at the forefront of what we do.”
Kent CountyCouncil Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services Sue Chandler said: “Community groups have been embracing all that is offered through the programme to develop how they support themselves, as well as the young people they work with through grants, training and opportunities to reflect on their approaches.”
Medway Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services Cllr Josie Iles said: “We are pleased to be working with partners to raise awareness of the mental health support is available to children and young people across Medway.
“It is so important Medway’s younger residents feel heard and are encouraged to speak about their mental health. Medway’s children and young people have adapted so well to the uncertainties over the past two years, but we understand that some young people may still be feeling overwhelmed and I would encourage them to access the support available.”
There are a range of organisations that provide mental health and emotional wellbeing support to children and young people in Kent and Medway including:
Kooth for people aged between 10 to 25 years old who live in Kent and Medway. Kooth offers an online mental health community giving free, safe and confidential advice. You can chat with a team member about anything that is on your mind.
NELFT provides child and adolescent (that’s up to age 18) mental health services for people living in Kent and Medway. You can find out more about these services on the NELFT website.
Release the Pressure can provide urgent support when life gets really tough. Text ‘Kent’ or ‘Medway’ to 85258. No fee, no registration or data required - it is silent, free, confidential and anonymous. A highly trained and experienced team is available 24/7 to provide expert support no matter what you are going through.
CHUMS offer specialist bereavement support to children and young people from 3½ up until their 26th birthday in Kent and Medway. This specialist bereavement service is provided by a wide range of experienced, trained professionals and volunteers.
The BeYou Project provides peer and individual support for LGBT+ young people aged eight to 25 in Kent and Medway.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) offers a Children and Young People’s Counselling Service for four to 19 year olds, struggling with their emotional health.
Mind and Body programme is delivered to 13-17 year olds in school and the community to explore and better manage thoughts and behaviours associated with self-harm. In Medway this service is only available for over 18 year olds.
Medway school nursing offers child health community services to children and young people and as part of the emotional wellbeing service they offer short term therapeutic interventions for young people aged between 5 to 19 who have recently started to display emotional wellbeing concerns.
Medway Youth Service offers a wide range of activities, opportunities and support for young people aged 8-18 and up to 25 for those with additional needs. This includes youth clubs, street-based work, careers support and projects including: music, sports, creativity, gaming and much more.
Medway Public Health Child Health Team provides schools in Medway with free access to programmes such as parent workshops, assemblies and training for school staff. These programmes cover a range of topics, including children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Togetherall is available for young people in Kent and Medway aged 16 to 18 in need of mental health support. It offers an online community that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are also self-assessments and recommended resources, as well as a wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace.