Case studies

Brighton and Hove Council employs a multi-agency, stepped care approach to support children and young people’s mental health. These services are embedded in every secondary school, extend to primary schools and colleges, and offer a range of interventions to support mental health at all levels.

In 2016, Gloucestershire schools faced high exclusion rates, leading to the introduction of restorative practices, which significantly reduced suspensions and improved attendance. Now implemented in over 70 schools, the approach fosters safer environments, better mental health, and improved teacher retention.

Bee Counted is an inspection process where young people inspect health services across Greater Manchester. The aim of ensuring health services are responsive to the needs of young people by listening to their views and acting on them.

Established in 2020 Bee Heard works in partnership with the Community and Crisis Mental Health Boards. The aim is to give young people aged 16-24, from across Greater Manchester an opportunity to shape and advise on a wide range of mental health services.

Helping Hands is a partnership between Phoenix Detached Youth Project and Connexions, North Tyneside, providing integrated support for mental health, emotional wellbeing, education, and employment. The programme offers ongoing group and 1:1 support for young people facing challenges like anxiety, low mood, and social isolation.

In response to rising mental health concerns and a lack of facilities for young people in St Neots, Cllr Claire Mascarenhas spearheaded a community-driven initiative. This included hiring a dedicated Youth Worker, involving young people in the recruitment process, and securing additional funding to further support local youth mental health needs.

Sutton’s Mental Health Support Team, embedded within the Educational Psychology service, builds strong connections with schools and support services to offer early intervention for mental health. The team also addresses parental anxiety and works to improve school attendance linked to mental health issues.

City of Doncaster Council has worked with local partners to create a universal and targeted pathway for speech, language and communication support to compliment the specialist NHS Speech and Language Therapy pathway.

Young people have been encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences on topics relating to mental health via the MindMate blog.

The school nurse team in Sefton helped children spot the signs of worry, and how to build resilience.