A school-based mental health support program is set to be implemented across Surrey following a successful trial period in Epsom and Ewell. The Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS trust (SABP) confirmed the expansion, citing positive outcomes and the ability to provide children with timely assistance directly within their educational settings.
Key Takeaways
- An initial mental health trial in Epsom and Ewell schools has proven successful, leading to a county-wide expansion.
- The program embeds dedicated mental health teams, including psychologists and therapists, into schools with the greatest need.
- The initiative aims to provide early intervention and remove common barriers for young people seeking mental health support.
- The expansion will be delivered by Mindworks Surrey, a partnership focused on children's emotional wellbeing.
A New Model for Student Wellbeing
The pilot program, led by SABP in collaboration with emotional wellbeing organizations, focused on schools identified as having the highest levels of need. This was determined by factors including local deprivation levels in the Epsom and Ewell area.
These selected schools received access to a dedicated, on-site mental health team. This approach moves beyond traditional models by integrating support directly into the daily lives of students, making it more accessible and less stigmatizing.
What the On-Site Teams Provide
The multidisciplinary teams are composed of various specialists to offer comprehensive support. According to the trust, these teams include:
- Educational psychologists
- Therapists
- Mental health nurses
This structure allows for a range of interventions tailored to individual student needs, from one-on-one therapy to broader support for teaching staff in managing student wellbeing.
Building on Existing Support
The Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS trust noted that every school in Surrey already has access to a dedicated mental health professional. The trial program represents an enhanced level of support, providing a full team to schools facing the most significant challenges, thereby targeting resources where they can have the greatest impact.
Positive Outcomes and Early Results
Officials report that the initiative is already showing significant benefits for students. The core objective is to ensure children and young people get "the right help at the right time" without the logistical and emotional hurdles of seeking external services.
Justine Leonard, the director of children and young people's services at SABP, highlighted the importance of early action and collaboration with educators.
"By working in this way with schools and teaching staff we can help so many more children access help early," she stated.
The trust also shared feedback from a young person who participated in the program, illustrating its direct impact. The student explained they had been in a "very dark place" before receiving help at their school.
"I understand what the triggers are for me and how to look after myself," the student said. "I am able to do so many more things than I thought I could." They added that since receiving support, they have been feeling "so much better."
The Importance of Early Intervention
According to mental health charities, approximately 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14. School-based programs like the one in Surrey are considered crucial for identifying issues early and providing support before they escalate into more severe conditions in adulthood.
Program Expansion Across Surrey
Following the success observed in Epsom and Ewell, the trust has decided to roll out the initiative to other areas across the county in the coming months. The program, delivered under the Mindworks Surrey banner, represents a strategic shift toward integrated, preventative mental healthcare for young people.
Mindworks Surrey is the alliance of organizations that provides emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in the county. This partnership structure is key to coordinating efforts between the NHS, schools, and other support services.
The expansion aims to replicate the trial's success on a larger scale, ultimately reducing barriers to support and improving long-term outcomes for students throughout Surrey. By placing professionals directly in schools, the program makes mental health support a visible and normal part of the educational experience, which is vital for encouraging students to seek help when they need it.