Mental Health Support Teams

Information for Parents

Schools play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people at a time when they are experiencing lots of physical, emotional and social changes.  The introduction of Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) working within schools is a new approach, introduced as a pilot across the country, to provide an additional source of support.

MHST are working with 73 schools across Gloucestershire to tackle the challenges children and young people have told us they experience by helping them to feel more resilient, arming them with techniques to look after themselves and strategies to help them cope better with life’s ups and downs. This includes support for things like mild-moderate anxiety, exam stress and friendship issues through low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LI-CBT), counselling sessions, themed group work or information workshops.  The teams will also support parents and teachers with information, advice and guidance about how best to help children and young people who are experiencing difficulties.  

If you want any more information about mental health and other resources available within Gloucestershire, please go to the On Your Mind Gloucestershire website https://www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk/. 

You can contact our Designated Mental Health Lead (DHML) at Waterwells if you are concerned about your child and would like some support.  The school’s Designated Mental Health Lead (DMHL) will be in touch with our teams regularly.

There are three main ways children and young people can access support from the Mental Health Support Team:

• When a school staff member notices a child or young person is struggling with day-to-day worries
• When a parent informs a school staff member about their concerns
• When a young person asks for support themselves.

An initial discussion with the team will take place to ensure this form of support is the most appropriate way forward.   

If you would prefer that your child was not discussed with the team, should they experience difficulties, you can opt out of this service by contacting your Mental Health School Lead above.  Your child will still have access to all the usual statutory support within your school.  Please note: if you choose to opt out of the school discussing concerns with the MHST they may still be seen at secondary if they ask for support themselves. 

Important information about consent, confidentiality and data protection

At primary school, parents and/or carers will be contacted and asked for agreement to start any support with their child.

During the MHST sessions they may identify some children or young people who may benefit from specialist support.  They will ensure that young people are aware that any recommendations for specialist support will be discussed with parents or a responsible person before making any onward referral.

In exceptional circumstances the MHST may share information with appropriate authorities without your knowledge, such as if we believe a child, young person or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or if information is required by law (such as a court order).  The MHST follow rigorous organisational policies and procedures to protect personal data and maintain confidentiality.  Further information can be found on their organisation websites:

https://ghc.nhs.uk/privacy-notice/ & https://ticplus.org.uk/privacy-policy/

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust Main office: Edward Jenner Court, Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW

Chair: Ingrid Barker  Chief Executive: Paul Roberts