Legal News

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and NHS England have launched a multi-million pound joint mental health pilot scheme for hundreds of schools.

The Mental Health Services and Schools Link Pilots will test a named single point of contact in 255 schools and in 22 pilot areas – with the aim of introducing more joined-up working between schools and health services.

The scheme has been backed by £3 million of government funding – and as a result, children and young people have better access to local, specialist mental health provision, with support that is consistent across services.

Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, said:

“Mental health is a key priority for this government and for me personally.

“The development of character, resilience and good mental health is vital alongside academic success in equipping young people with the skills needed to fulfil their potential.

“That’s why I’m delighted to see these schools engaging in joined-up approaches with mental health services, to ensure that children, parents and teachers know where to turn – and how to access the best support for young people with mental health concerns.”

Funded jointly by the Department for Education and NHS England, each of 27 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are working with at least ten schools to trial the new way of working, with a named lead across services. These were chosen from more than 80 applications to receive a boost of up to £85,000 per area.

The single point of contact in the schools will be responsible for developing closer relationships with a counterpart in local NHS CAMHS services, to improve knowledge and understanding of mental health issues – and to help ensure any referrals are timely and appropriate. They will be supported in the work through a series of training days and the work will be evaluated nationally to understand the impact of joint working.

National Clinical Director for Children and Young People at NHS England, Dr Jackie Cornish, said:

“This is an opportunity for CCGs and schools to work together more closely, trial a new way of thinking and a new model.

“Our aim is to significantly improve the care and experience we can offer to children and young people with mental health problems.

“We know that if we can help young people effectively at the earliest possible age, we can gain the best possible outcome for them in the long run – and that is why we are focusing our attention to improve joint working with schools.

“This investment is building on a £1.4 billion government investment in children and young people’s mental health over the next five years – this is a key government priority, as part of the drive to put mental health on an equal footing with physical health.”

The pilot is part of the vision set out in the Future in mind report, which made a number of proposals on how mental health services could be improved, including for children and young people.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Lawyers
Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services.
Our mental health lawyers regularly visit police stations and hospitals to advise on mental health law, including detention under the Mental Health Act – and are available at short notice for appointments nationwide.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on mental health law, including access to services and initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, contact the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.