Oldham CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health service), formerly Healthy Young Minds.
We offer specialist services to children and young people who are experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties.
We help children and young people up to the age of 18 years and provide support to their families/carers.
Some of the problems that we can help with include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self-harm
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)
- More complex psychological difficulties
We also provide consultation, advice and training to other agencies.
Our clinicians come from a range of clinical and professional backgrounds, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, psychologists and many others.
To make sure people can easily access our service, we now have a single point of access via the Oldham Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
The MASH is Oldham’s first point of contact for:
- Safeguarding referrals to protect children, young people or adults from harm, abuse or neglect
- Care and support services which help individuals or families to meet their long-term needs, prevent or delay needs becoming more serious, lead independent lives and reduce dependence on public services
It is no longer possible to refer directly to the Healthy Young Minds Service, other than urgent referrals through accident and emergency and paediatric wards.
Anyone can now make a referral to our service including:
- Self-referral by a young person
- Parents and carers
- All health professionals
- All social care professionals
- Education professionals
- Anyone who works or comes into contact with a young person
Professionals making a referral on behalf of a young person should use this online form.
Please note, anyone making a referral on behalf of a young person must gain their consent to make a referral to the MASH and check that they agree for their information to be shared with MASH services, as required and appropriate. Please reassure them that the process for sharing information is safe and secure.
Self-referral or referrals made by parents can be made by using the online referral form
Telephone: 0161 770 7777 (option 1)
Please ensure you have the young person's consent before making the referral.
If you have any queries, you can contact the Healthy Young Minds Team directly on 0161 716 2020 or the Oldham MASH on 0161 770 7777.
To keep you safe and reduce the spread of covid, we want to let you know what to expect when you come in and see us:
- Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment
- Wear something comfortable to cover your nose, mouth and chin - this can simply be a bandana or scarf
- Make sure your hands are clean – wash your hands or use the hand gel when you first arrive and when you go home. It’s good to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Make sure you’re not too close to people – we have put lots of signs up to remind you as well as arrows to help you move around our buildings safely
- During your appointment we will wear a face mask to protect you and our staff. Remember we are still the same friendly people – we just look a bit different!
- Please only bring adults who are invited to the appointment with you
- If you are 16 or above you are welcome to attend on your own
Do you have symptoms? (A new, continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss to your sense of smell or taste).
If so, please call us so we can reschedule your appointment and either arrange a session on the phone or via video.
This animated video has more information on what to expect at appointments with us during the pandemic, and some of the ways we’re working to keep you and our team safe.
- Make time to listen - create a calm, safe space where they can communicate their feelings. They may feel overwhelmed by a changing situation that isn’t being clearly explained in a way they can understand.
- Take time to talk - some young people find it easier to talk while doing something together such as playing in the park, going for a walk, painting or other activities.
- Try to understand the problems and provide reassurance that you have heard them and you are there to help. Their problems could be something you haven’t picked up on – it’s very common, so don’t feel guilty about this.
Further advice and helpful tips can be found on NHS’s Every Mind Matters.
- If a child has taken an overdose or needs urgent medical help call 999 or take them to the nearest A&E. In Oldham, it will be The Royal Oldham Hospital nhs.uk/location
- If you need urgent mental health support or advice, such as a child is having suicidal thoughts or is self-harming, call Pennine Care's 24-hour mental health helpline 0800 014 9995 or contact your GP for advice
- If you have noticed physical injuries such as deep cuts or burns contact NHS 111 online or your GP for advice.
- You can also self refer using the link here: MASH Referrals (oldham.gov.uk)
www.kooth.com for online counselling and advice
Bereavement Support Service: 0161 627 8207
Young carers: 0161 621 9497
Integrated health and family service: 0161 621 9600
