Agenda item

The Panel considered a report on the Slough Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Strategy 2015-19 titled ‘Promoting Mental Health 4 Life Building Thriving Communities’.

Members were informed that Slough was the first place in the country to adopt the Mental Health 4 Life themes and the THRIVE model of CAMHS on which the strategy was based.  The new model removed the escalation approach under the previous tiered system and set out a different concept and way of working that everyone could understand and apply in their work with children or parents.  The strategy described the local CAMHS transformation programme that started in 2014 and included reform to eight pathways; new resources for schools, parents and GPs; and the development of an integrated hub called the Five Ways to Wellbeing hub.  The strategy, which was out for consultation, was supported by a joint action plan with partners of the Children & Young People’s Partnership Board.

The Panel was informed that the team wanted to do more work with partners on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), supported by funding from NHS England and CCG CAMHS Transformation Fund, to provide further support to families both pre and post diagnosis.  Slough had double the expected number of children and young people with ASD and there were a further 142 children awaiting a diagnosis.  Members asked about the waiting times for diagnosis for ASD and it was noted that these were set out in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.  Clarity was sought on the additional funding to support ASD and the most vulnerable young people and from the CAMHS Transformation Fund.  A bid for £770k across East Berkshire had been submitted to NHS England and the outcome was awaited.  Accessing additional support through the Transformation Fund was considered to be particularly welcome given the financial pressures faced by the service.

The Panel discussed a range of other issues including the wider support to families and the importance of ensuring CAMHS helped ease the transition to adult mental health services where appropriate.  Supporting people into work was also a key priority for adult mental health.  The consultation and engagement arrangements for the strategy were discussed and it was noted that young people and the youth parliament had been consulted throughout the design of the Thrive website.  There was also consultation with voluntary and community sector organisations and Healthwatch.

In noting the strategy, the Panel welcomed the development of the new strategy and particularly the use of emerging best practice in shaping services to meet the needs of children and young people locally.

Resolved –  That the report be noted.