New service helps Sunderland families access mental health support earlier
CHILDREN, young people and families in Sunderland can now access mental health support through a new service available at local GP practices, making it easier to get help earlier, closer to home.
The Sunderland children and young people's ‘Getting Help Service’ is available for children and young people up to the age of 25 who have a Sunderland GP.
It is funded by NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and delivered by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Sunderland Counselling Service, working alongside local GP practices.
The service provides early support for mild to moderate mental health and emotional wellbeing needs, including anxiety, low mood, worries, difficulties managing emotions and the emotional impact of challenging life events. It also offers advice and practical support for parents and carers.
Dr Kathy Petersen, GP and medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB said, "We know that getting the right support early can make a real difference to children, young people and families.
"The Getting Help Service is a great example of how we are bringing care closer to home and making it easier for people to get support within their local community.
"The service has been designed to help children, young people and families get support earlier, without needing a formal diagnosis. If you are worried about a child or young person's mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to your GP practice, who can connect you with the service if appropriate."
Support is tailored to each person and may include one-to-one support, practical advice, coping strategies or help to access other local services.
Children and young people on a waiting list for a mental health or neurodevelopmental assessment may also be able to get help with emotional or mental health difficulties; the service does not replace specialist care or treatment.
"The service can provide advice, practical support and strategies to help while families wait for assessments or appointments," added Dr Petersen.
Lynette Dodsworth, clinical team manager for Sunderland Primary Care, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said, "You do not need a diagnosis to get support through this service. Whether a child or young person is feeling anxious, low, upset by a life event or simply needs someone to talk to, help is available.
"Our aim is to make it easier for families to know where to turn and get support as early as possible."
The Getting Help Service is part of wider work across the North East and North Cumbria to bring more NHS services out of hospitals and into local communities, helping people get the right support, at the right time and closer to home.
Families who would like support for a child or young person's mental health or emotional wellbeing should contact their GP practice. The practice can discuss their concerns and request support from the team, who will consider the most appropriate help.