CS1700 Early Mental Health and Counselling Services

• This part of the service will act as a “front door” for the Early Mental Health Service, promoting the aims of prevention and early intervention
• Referrals will be accepted from any professional, family/carer or individual (self-referral) – a referral form will be used for this and the Supplier will ensure this is straightforward and accessible.
• Referrals will initially be triaged within 5 working days and either offered signposting or a full assessment
• The delivery of a range of positive group activities, both online and face to face, which have a focus on enhancing wellbeing and encouraging self-development
• The Supplier will develop a programme of activities which can be offered to children, young people and where appropriate, their carers and families
• The Supplier would be expected to be creative with the design of a programme of appropriate activities, examples of which could include yoga, mindful nature experiences, music, celebration* groups and visits to local attractions

Therapy and Counselling

• The Supplier will deliver counselling and therapy sessions to children and young people
• These must be deliverable both online and face to face
• Commissioners would expect the Supplier to offer a range of therapeutic interventions to meet the current needs of children and young people, e.g., talking therapy, art therapy, drama therapy and the Supplier will recruit sufficiently trained staff to deliver this
• This element of the service can involve the delivery of therapeutic group work, where appropriate, and Commissioners would encourage the Supplier to develop a group programme which meets the varying needs of children and young people in the 5-18 age bracket
• Each child or young person will have a service-specific care plan which will be collaboratively put together at Session 1
• Flexibility in delivery is needed due to the broad geographic area of Wiltshire
• The Supplier should aim to offer up to 10 sessions of therapy to each child or young person, with this being reviewed by session 6
• Sessions must be led by the needs of the child, with appropriate allowances made for children with neurodivergence and SEND requirements
• Safeguarding concerns will be responded to appropriately and escalated in accordance with the Supplier’s policy and local protocols