Mental health issues can affect anyone. People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be more likely to experience mental health difficulties. Mental Health and Wellbeing issues can worsen over time if not supported, the below information should be helpful in accessing support and advice.
We all need to be aware of and look after our emotional health and wellbeing as well as that of our children – here are some ideas to what might help with this 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Feeling low, being sad, having anxieties and worries are all normal features of children’s lives. For help recognising the signs a child might be struggling with mental health difficulties, you can visit the NHS children’s mental health website. It is helpful to support your child to share these feelings though everyday conversation, showing care and interest, and listening carefully to them.
If these feelings are severe and persistent to the point where they interfere with day-to-day life and learning, then this is when you may want to seek advice and support.
Accessing support for children and young people
If you think your child needs help immediately, call 999 or go to A&E now
If you need urgent help for mental health, NHS 111 online or call 111
If your child is feeling low or anxious, or if you have any serious concerns about how your child is feeling or acting, seek professional help.
You could speak to:
• someone you trust at school or college such as a teacher, school nurse, mental health lead, the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant, counsellors or the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
• a GP
• a health visitor (for children up to 5 years)
• your local Family Hub.
They can tell you what support is available in your area and put you in touch with children and young people's mental health services.
Alternatively, you can self-refer by completing a referral form to access a range of support from the Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Supporting children and young people through mental health difficulties
If your child has mental health difficulties the Educational Psychology Service can help at school. They work with teachers and parents to improve children’s education and well-being. They conduct psychological evaluations, help the school staff with strategies and ideas to address problematic situations and offer assistance during emergencies in schools. They also collaborate with the assessment for EHC plans. You can discuss involvement of an educational psychologist with your SENCo should you feel, it may help.
The Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) help children and young people 0–18 with assessment and treatment for a range of emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties (violent or angry behaviour, eating difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behaviour).
The NHS Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme provides timely and intensive support for children, young people, and adults who have autism and / or learning disabilities and are experiencing significant challenges that, if not addressed, may result in a distressing in-patient admission into a hospital or mental health unit.
Further support for you and your child
West London Action for Children, provides counselling, therapy, and parenting groups. They have highly trained staff.
Kooth , a free, safe and anonymous place for young people to find online support.
If your child is under 5, visit the Anna Freud website for information about common difficulties in the early years.
For parents of young people aged 18 and over, the NHS website has information on supporting a young person with mental health needs.
Crisis Café. 365 days of the year, seven days a week drop-in service for adults (18+) who are experiencing severe mental distress or crisis.
Getting support for parents and carers
It’s important to look after parents and carers’ emotional wellbeing and mental health.
You can find information on self-care for parents and carers on the Anna Freud website.
Find out about support available for mental health on the NHS website.
For information on parenting with a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
Private therapy
Some people choose to have private treatment. If you see a therapist privately, you'll have to pay for treatment.
You can usually approach a private therapist directly without a referral from a doctor.
If you make this choice, look for accredited providers included in directories such as the professional standards authority website.
Information for professionals
Visit this system navigation handbook that has been designed for professionals working with children, young people and families in Hammersmith & Fulham, to provide a comprehensive overview of social, emotional and mental health services available and appropriate referral pathways.