10 October 2022
On World Mental Health Day, children, young people, and parents are reminded of the onIsland services available to support their mental health and wellbeing.
From Monday 10 October, emails are being sent out via Parentmail to encourage parents and children to have
their say in Public Health’s Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation. Feedback from this will help
shape Jersey’s Public Health Strategy.
Mind Jersey is working with CYPES colleagues to offer parents, guardians and young people a
range of mental health sessions, including:
- Relax Kids session for primary school aged children
- Relax Kids session for secondary school aged children
- Relaxation session for parents and adults
- A session with YES Project to find out about how they support young people
Parents have received details on how to join these free sessions via parentmail.
There is ongoing support available for children and young people who are experiencing mental
health issues:
- YES Project’s free wellbeing drop-in service runs every Saturday from 10am to 6pm. This
gives children, young people, and parents the opportunity to chat to a counsellor, youth
worker, or CAMHS practitioner about any mental health concerns, without having a booked
appointment
- Kooth provides an online mental health community support service.
- Educational psychologists work in schools to provide students with targeted support and
intervention within a familiar environment.
Children and young people who need more structured intervention can access treatment, therapy
and support through the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), which continues
to evolve and grow to meet an increasing demand for support.
Referrals to CAMHS have increased from 661 in 2019 to 855 in 2021, with 725 already referred by
August in 2022. Following additional investment in the Government Plan 2022 – 2024, the waiting
time between a referral and an initial assessment being completed has decreased from 6 weeks in
2019 to 3 weeks in 2022. Additionally, autism assessment times have halved from 6 months to 3
months.
In addition, this year, CAMHS has recruited additional staff – including two additional psychologists
and two art therapists – to broaden the range of therapy services available on-Island. CAMHS has
also launched an Early Intervention Service featuring Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners,
working on emerging mental health issues and offering training and consulation to schools.
Interim Associate Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Dr Darren Bowring, said: “On World Mental Health Day, I’d like to raise awareness of the support services available to children
and young people in Jersey, including school-based counsellors, CAMHS, YES Project, and the
Children and Families Hub.
“We know that the need is out there, and we know from the number of referrals that more and
more children and young people are seeking support and help. We’ve invested significant funds to
increase the support that we offer – significantly reducing waiting times and offering a broader
range of therapies.
“I’d therefore urge any young people – or parents, guardians or carers – who are concerned to
contact the Children and Families Hub who can refer you to the best support available.”
gov.je