In line with the priorities identified in Hertfordshire’s CAMHS Transformation plan, Hertfordshire and West Essex is continuing with the expansion of its Mental Health Support Teams in schools (MHSTs) programme following the NHS Long Term Plan and the recommendations from the 2017 Green Paper. This five-year transformation plan aims to deliver system-wide change in collaboration with the two NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) - East and North Hertfordshire and Herts Valleys CCGs, Hertfordshire County Council and the providers supporting Hertfordshire children and young people including schools.
Many schools in St Albans, Broxbourne, Harlow, Stevenage, Watford, Welwyn Hatfield, Hertsmere and Epping are already working closely with MHSTs. In addition, Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS is the first in the UK, to have a specific team to help children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).
MHST Education Mental Health Practitioners are delivering support and training for school staff and parents/carers, as well as individual and group interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health needs, helping them to build their resilience and develop positive coping strategies.
The next areas to benefit from MHSTs for 2022/23 will be Dacorum, North Herts, Three Rivers and in Uttlesford.
