There is a council in the UK where the councillor, a clinical commissioning group and other agencies are working together to identify and support children dealing with mental health problems. Bexley is delivering excellent services with compassion to help and protect children in need.
A report by joint inspection services highlights the development of a learning hub and shows how it improves the provision of services. As a result, children can access a wide range of services, and partners work well and innovatively together in a timely manner to address needs and support children and families.
Key strengths of the partnership:
- stable and effective senior leadership
- agencies engaging with children about their emotional wellbeing and mental health
- strong and effective leadership in children’s services
- access to a range of well-structured multi-disciplinary services
- dedicated telephone consultation service for professionals
- education-based interventions
- joint police and NHS initiative
- mental health police team
- skilled youth offending service staff
Dr. Sid Deshmukh, chair of the clinical commissioning group, said: 'We know that prompt access to appropriate support enables children and young people experiencing difficulties to maximise their prospects for a healthy and happy life.'
Hopefully other councils, cities and countries follow this positive example, and realise the importance of this complex and difficult issue.