New project to help young people navigate their future

We’ve launched an innovative new initiative for children, young people, and their families who have been supported by our child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

The navigator project, which will support 5-18 year olds and their families when they leave CAMHS, is run in partnership with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations Early Break, Youth in Mind and Beacon Counselling. 

Sarah Leah, our associate director of operations for CAMHS, said: “When a child or young person leaves our services, often referred to as being discharged, they and their families may continue to need some additional support.

“This new initiative will provide the support they need to start building those important foundations and connections - through friends, family and the community – which is essential in their mental health journey.”

The navigator project team will offer up to five sessions for young people once they leave CAMHS.

Laura Mallalieu, senior practitioner at Early Break and lead for the navigator project team, said: “Our team will support a young person to continue to make the positive progress they have already achieved. We’ll meet each child and their family, along with their practitioner, before they leave CAMHS and agree together the key areas that we need to focus on.

“This could be supporting them with returning to school, helping families to support their child; plus helping a young person develop personal interests and hobbies, such as joining a gym or a youth group.”