Luton Council supports Children's Mental Health Week

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group and the council are supporting Children's Mental Health Week (3-9 February) by raising awareness of the different services and support available to children
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There are a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing services that all parents and children in Luton can directly access without the need of being referred by a health professional.

Self-referrals can be made by calling the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) on 01525 638613 where a professional will identify the most appropriate service or support that is available to meet the needs of the child and/or parent.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder with responsibility for public health, said: “So many children and young people are suffering with emotional and mental health problems, with many not knowing what services are available to them.

Luton council and Luton CCG are supporting Children's Mental Health WeekLuton council and Luton CCG are supporting Children's Mental Health Week
Luton council and Luton CCG are supporting Children's Mental Health Week

"That’s why we have created a single point of access with the aim of making it easier for children and parents to receive the right support and services at the right time.

“We want to make sure that children, young person or parents should not have to face a mental health problem alone, help is available.”

Young people can independently access Kooth - a free and anonymous online counselling and emotional well-being service for 11-19 years old, Caraline - one to one and group support for young people aged 17 and over with eating disorders and Chat health – a secure and confidential text messaging service for 11-19 years (07520 616070).

Parents and young people can also make self-referrals to mental health and emotional wellbeing services provided by CHUMS, TOKKO Youth Space and CAMHS as well as access services via the CAMHS School Liaison Team.

Dr Kirti Singh, Luton CCG’s Clinical Director for Mental Health, said: “The new self-referral pathway is an important development in providing quick and confidential support to children and young people struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.”

Children’s mental health week is run by charity Place2Be to focus on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

For more information visit www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk.

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