MHSTs were developed in line with the government’s priority to increase early access to support for mild to moderate wellbeing and mental health disorders in children and young people. The multidisciplinary team, made up of clinical specialists, mental health clinicians, education wellbeing practitioners, and child wellbeing practitioners, offers an early intervention and prevention service in Kingston and Richmond primary and secondary schools.
Cherry Forrest, education wellbeing practitioner, explains: “We have three teams in each borough and work across designated schools. Utilising a whole school approach, we provide support for common mental health and wellbeing difficulties to children, young people, their families and carers as well as school staff.”
The Mental Health Support Team provides a vital resource to our school. In a time when all social services are under an immense strain, their service gives the opportunity for students to know that there are others that care. There are others who can listen and provide support when life gets a little bit tough. Our students have benefited immensely.”
Kingston Teacher
To enhance outcomes for future emotional and mental wellbeing, the team focuses on providing interventions utilising a whole school approach. This can consist of running targeted groups for anxiety and universal groups to help with things like friendship difficulties or transitions as well as individual work. They also run workshops for staff and parents or guardians.
Cherry explained: “My days are very varied, especially as I work across five different schools. I love my job, and our team is able to make a real difference to young people’s lives as we equip them with knowledge and techniques that they can take forward and use for the rest of their lives.
“One of our biggest challenges is reaching these young people while their needs are mild to moderate. This is where our brilliant relationship with school staff comes in as we are helping them to recognise the signs so we can intervene at the right point.”
One teacher shared: “The Mental Health Support Team provides a vital resource to our school. In a time when all social services are under an immense strain, their service gives the opportunity for students to know that there are others that care. There are others who can listen and provide support when life gets a little bit tough. Our students have benefited immensely.”
If you work in a school and see early indications of low mood, challenging behaviour or anxiety in your students, are a concerned parent or a young person struggling with your wellbeing please get in touch with the team to find out how they can help.