Child mental health is on the right path in West Cheshire, a conference in Ellesmere Port was told.
‘On the right path’ was the theme for a child mental health workshop held in the Civic Hall which provided training to health care practitioners and those who work with children and young people across the borough.
The workshop was hosted by the NHS West Cheshire clinical commissioning group and also included the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS foundation trust and the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS foundation trust which both provided key speakers at the event.
The workshop included discussion of self-harm and eating disorders giving all those present the opportunity to find out more about how to refer young people who display signs of a mental health disorder.
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It also aimed at helping to remove the prejudice that is sometimes attached to mental health by having young people present to talk about their own experiences.
Tony Ryan, who is heading up the transformation of children and young persons emotional health and wellbeing services, said: “Three out of four people with a mental illness report that they have experienced stigma or prejudice which can prevent many young people from speaking out about their condition.
“Following the launch of our young persons ‘Make Way’ mental health and wellbeing plan, having a workshop was the next step to educate all health professionals who work with children and young people with mental health issues.”
He added: “The workshop has been an effective training aid and moving forward will provide a joined up approach to early detection and early intervention in young people who are showing signs of self-harm for example.
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“The ability to fast-track young children as soon as they show the first signs of a mental health disorder is key to our priorities.”
For more information about the ‘Make Way’ mental health and wellbeing plan people can follow @cathy09278180, @WestCheshireCCG, @cwpnhs or visit the news pages at www.westcheshireccg.nhs.uk.
The Cheshire and Wirral Partnership includes a team of specially trained workers whose job it is to improve the mental health of children and young people and provide support and guidance to parents and carers.
