Local services and organisations: Getting help
Medical services:
General practitioner surgery where the child or young person is registered
GP out of hours 111.
NB Call 111 and press option 2 for the First Response Service - a 24-hour service for people in a mental health crisis. This service is for anyone, of any age, who is registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.
The Child Wellbeing Practitioners Team (CWPs) https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/what-we-do/children-young-people-health-services-cambridgeshire/emotional-health-and-wellbeing-services
This team is part of the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service (EHWS) which covers Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Age groups. 5-17
Type of support – clinical
Referral method Professional . The referral pathway for CWP’s is through the YOUnited hub (see under Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust below) The YOunited referral hub operates during working hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Contact number for professionals only for discussion and consultation of non-crisis referrals: 0300 3000 830
How to refer:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ZK6E2LEyMEGkSUqmVcmjMMpY3J-sR0FFg4YqbM1CWkBUMktFVlA2SE1KMEwxUlNRWTM4U1ozR1NBSyQlQCN0PWcu&embed=true%22
Other information. The CWP team provides direct interventions that are CBT informed Guided Self Help, for mild to moderate mental health difficulties, as a primary intervention. If the child is primary school age, the work is mostly with the parents/carers. If they are secondary age, it is mostly with the young person directly. The table on the website provides more information as to the type of presenting problems they work with. Staff have psychology related degrees and complete the Post Graduate Certificate in Children and Young People’s Psychological Wellbeing Practice.
The Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/what-we-do/children-young-people-health-services-cambridgeshire/emotional-health-and-wellbeing-services
The MHST Is also a part of the Emotional health and Wellbeing Service
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support-in-schools-and-colleges
The MHSTs are part of a national drive to increase the workforce, increasing access to mental health support. Huntingdon and Cambridge’s MHST’s launched in April 2021 and two new teams for Peterborough and Wisbech will launch in Jan 2022. Each team covers 20 schools.
Currently, therefore, the majority of schools are not yet linked to an MHST and need to access the universal offer provided by the EHWPs and CWPs (see above)
Schools involved in the MHST can contact them via their duty line ccs.mhst@nhs.net
Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
The YOUnited Referral Hub for CAMHS ( Child and adolescent mental health services) https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/search/service/younited-195/
This is a single point of contact and referral for young people who are registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and requires the young person’s consent.
Age groups- Children and young people with mental health or emotional wellbeing needs up to the age of 17 years (or 18 years for those referred with a suspected eating disorder or with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis) (or 25 years for referrals to Centre 33).
Referral method Professional
YOunited referral hub operates during working hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Contact number for professionals only for discussion and consultation of non-crisis referrals: 0300 3000 830
Referral form can be found here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ZK6E2LEyMEGkSUqmVcmjMMpY3J-sR0FFg4YqbM1CWkBUMktFVlA2SE1KMEwxUlNRWTM4U1ozR1NBSyQlQCN0PWcu&embed=true%22
Type of support clinical.
Other information The partner agencies of the hub are CPFT, Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust, Centre 33 and the Ormiston Trust. The hub triages and screens all referrals based on risk, clinical mental health needs and impact on functioning. The referrals are moved through the Hub by using the National Thrive model for pathways of support.
CASUS https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/search/service/cambridgeshire-child-and-adolescent-substance-use-service-casus-180/
Cambridgeshire Child and Adolescent Substance Use Service
CASUS is an NHS service which provides information, support and specialist treatment in Cambridgeshire around drug and alcohol use to young people and their families.
Age groups up to 18
Referral method Professional and self referral
Professional referrals can be made using Early Help Assessment or the CASUS Referral Form.
CASUS Referral Forms can be downloaded from the website. http://www.cpft.nhs.uk/casus/howtorefer
Young people can refer themselves over the phone. Email:casus@cpft.nhs.uk
Telephone:01480 445316(Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Type of support. Clinical and non- clinical
Other information also have a limited service for 18 – 21 year olds who are particularly vulnerable and would benefit from seeing a young person’s service rather than be referred to adult services.
For more information
see https://www.keep-your-head.com/assets/2/how-casus-can-help-1.pdf
The Early Help Hub
The Cambridgeshire Early Help Hub provides a single telephone line, operating during office hours, providing advice and information for professionals about local services. They can offer guidance about accessing services, and signpost to self-help resources. Contact the team on: 01480 376 666 or early.helphub@cambridgeshire.gcsx.gov.uk
(Open 9am – 5.20pm Monday to Thursday, Friday 9am -4:20pm).
The Peterborough Early Help Service provides a dedicated Early Help telephone line, operating during office hours, providing advice and information for professionals about local services. They can offer guidance about accessing services, and signpost to self-help resources. Contact the service on the Peterborough Early Help helpline number on: 01733 863649 or email earlyhelp@peterborough.gov.uk
(Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
The MASH multi- agency safeguarding hub
Provides consultation and advice to agency referrers about thresholds, appropriate actions and outcomes. Provides signposting for locality services, voluntary agencies and organisations
https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/easysiteweb/getresource.axd?assetid=3466&type=0&servicetype=1
Referral Cambridgeshire County Council: 0345 045 5203 or complete a referral online. Report abuse of a child – Cambridgeshire County Council
Peterborough City Council: 0345 045 5203 or complete a referral online Report abuse of a child – Peterborough City Council
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours) 01733 234724
SEND https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/local-offer/about-cambridgeshire-s-local-offer All local authorities working with their partners must publish information about how children and young people 0 - 25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported in their area. This is known as the local offer. The local offer includes information on:
universal services that are available to everyone, such as schools, GPs, (universal services)
targeted support and services for children and young people who may need some additional, short term support
YMCA Trinity Group https://ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk/
YMCA Trinity Group work across Cambridgeshire & Suffolk and are part of the world’s largest youth charity. It provides a range of support in schools for ages 5-18, plus staff and parents/carers across all areas of mental health
https://ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk/jobs-training/support-schools-menu-services/.
They adopt a holistic approach for schools that addresses whole school wellbeing needs. For children from the age of 5 upwards, they provide evidence-based creative or talking therapies /counselling delivered by trained professionals. These are flexible to meet the needs of the child and are offered either short term or longer term if required. They also provide drop-ins, group work to build resilience or 1to1 mentoring and family work for those with mild to moderate needs.
Counselling and therapy is also offered to parents/carers and staff, as well as reflective supervision to help better support themselves and others.
Age groups – 5+, including adults
Referral method – professional (web form)
Type of support – clinical and non-clinical (in-school)
Other information - Flexible provision either face to face or using online/telephone platforms as agreed. Wrap around support including drop-ins and advice can be provided through their day rate service or on a sessional basis through their credit system.
They are registered with the BACP and are included in the approved list of alternative education providers.
Fullscope https://www.fullscopecollaboration.org.uk/
Fullscope is a consortium of leading organisations supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Cambridgeshire.
It comprises, Arts and Minds, Blue Smile, Cambridge curiosity and Imagination, Centre 33, CPSL Mind, The Kite Trust, YMCA Trinity group.
See the website for further information.
Cogwheel Counselling https://www.cogwheel.org.uk/
provides counselling in Cambridgeshire to couples, families and individuals. The website signposts useful additional resources.
Age groups. All ages including children and young people.
Referral method Self- referral On-line registration.
Phone: 01223 464385/ Email: admin@cogwheel.org.uk
Type of support clinical
Other information Contributions according to income.
Relate http://www.relatecambridge.org.uk/children_counselling.htm
Counselling and therapeutic support for children and young people living in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Fenland.
Relate offers support to children and young people who are adversely affected by traumatic life circumstances, including family change or breakdown, loss or bereavement, or other social or environmental difficulties with which they feel they require additional help.
Age groups 5-12 and 13-18
Referral method Children and young people can refer themselves for the service with formal consent from parents or carers. 01302 347866/ Email counselling@relatecambridge.org.uk
Type of support clinical
Other information Initial assessment cost £60. Thereafter charges according to income.
Blue Smile https://www.bluesmile.org.uk/
Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting vulnerable children who have poor mental health or emotional problems.
Children, parents/carers, and school staff can access services as a Partner or Outreach School.
Age groups 3-13
Referral method Professional Tel 01223 314725
Type of support clinical
Other information
The subsidised Partner Schools service provides long term, 1:1 arts-based therapeutic support delivered by teams of highly trained therapists experienced in working with children.
The flexible Outreach service service provides flexible, in-school 1:1 therapeutic arts-based counselling to support specifically the most vulnerable children in any school
Kooth https://www.kooth.com/
Free confidential and anonymous online service for young people,
Age groups 11-24
Referral method self referral
Type of support clinical
Other information the service has been specifically developed to make it easy and safe for young people to access mental health support as and when they need it. Once signed up, users have access to BACP trained counsellors available until 10pm every day.
Kite Trust https://www.thekitetrust.org.uk/lgbt-support/
Free information, support and groups for LGBTQ+ young people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and surrounding areas.
Age groups 5-25
Referral method self -referral by emailing info@thekitetrust.org.uk and Tel: 01223 369508
Type of support clinical and non- clinical.
Other information Provides social groups for 11-18s and 16-25s in-person around Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, online social groups and creative & leadership opportunities. Offer one-off or a series of individual support sessions on a case-by-case basis. The Youth Work team are available to support schools and colleges to establish and develop school/college-based LGBTQ+ plus allies student groups - this service may be chargeable.
The Young people’s counselling service https://www.ypcs.uk/free-counselling-service/
The YPCS is a registered charity providing a free and confidential service that can be accessed by young people old in emotional difficulty, which includes distress caused by bereavement
Age groups 11 - 18 years
Referral method Young people can refer themselves or be referred by a parent/carer, GP, professional or school.
Email: admin@ypcs.uk
Telephone: 0800 634 4395
Type of support clinical
Other information. The service offers up to 12 sessions of free counselling. It currently operates out of three locations in Yaxley, Whittlesey and Ramsey.
Centre 33 https://centre33.org.uk/
Centre 33 operates a range of services from free counselling and support to information on sexual health, housing, budgeting and also a young carers’ project. It runs out of 5 main centres over 6 days a week and works with 1000’s of young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough every year. Free and confidential advice and signposting on a wide range of practical and emotional issues
Age groups up to age 25
Referral method Self - referral. Call, message or email during opening hours.
0333 4141809/ help@centre33.org.uk
Drop in hubs in Cambridge Tuesdays - Fridays 12-5pm, or in Ely Tuesdays 1-5pm
Type of support – clinical and no clinical
Other information Centre 33 is a partner agency of the Younited Hub Professional referral via the YOUnited hub https://centre33.org.uk/help/professionals/
Nessie - Supporting families of children who self-harm
Nessie is commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council to provide free support to families of children and young people who self-harm. Nessie offer:
- Parent workshops across Cambridgeshire in schools, community settings and online
- Parental peer support groups
- Targeted 1-1 parent support;
- Telephone and online parent support.
Nessie is a not-for-profit organisation providing easy access to arts therapies, counselling, support, training and supervision so that children, young people and their families can thrive. They provide support through partnering with local schools, county councils and community organisations. Parents can also reach out to them directly.
Age groups Any
Cambridgeshire Music Therapy http://cambridgeshiremusictherapy.co.uk/Cambridgeshiremusictherapy/Home.html
Specialist music therapists work in special schools, mainstream schools, units attached to schools and children’s centres across Cambridgeshire.
Age groups school age
Referrals can be made by schools, organisations, families or individuals.
Phone: 01480 373500/Email: cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Type of support clinical
Other information Arts therapies are therapeutic interventions similar to counselling or psychotherapy that aim to improve mental health and well-being. They use music, drama, art or dance as the means of communication.
There is a charge for this service but funding may be available.
Place2be https://www.place2be.org.uk/
Place2Be provides child counselling and mental health support in schools, including primary, secondary and all-through schools across England, Scotland and Wales.
Age groups school age
Referral Professional Tel: 020 7923 5500 Email: enquiries@place2be.org.uk
Type of support clinical
Other information There is a charge for services.
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/services-for-schools/mental-health-resources-for-schools/
Bereavement services
This leaflet lists the main services across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area and national organisations that offer support for people who have lost a loved one file:///C:/Users/hmbat/Downloads/Bereavement%20Support%20in%20Cambridgeshire%20and%20Peterborough.pdf
Keep your head https://www.keep-your-head.com/cyp/CP-MHS/who-else-can-help-me/support-with-losing-a-loved-one-bereavement
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough families who are affected by suicide will be offered support from the post-suicide bereavement service shortly after the death.
- Help is at Hand booklet - Booklet giving practical support and guidance after someone may have died by suicide
- Walk With Us toolkit - A toolkit for supporting Children, Young People and Families bereaved by suicide
- On The Go - Online modules of suicide bereavement training, delivered by Suicide Bereavement UK
To help professionals in responding to these tragic events, colleagues in South Yorkshire have recently launched a new toolkit for those who support children, young people and families bereaved by suicide. You can download a copy HERE.
Cruse https://www.cruse.org.uk/
Offers support, advice and information and counselling to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Age groups all ages
Referral method self referral
Helpline:
0808 808 1677
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.30am - 8pm
Weekends 10am - 2pm
Type of support Non-clinical and clinical
Other information Free service. Currently providing telephone support only
Local links: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/eastern-england/cambridge-fenland-and-uttlesford
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/eastern-england/peterborough
Stars Children’s Bereavement Support Services https://talktostars.org.uk/
Age groups 4-19
Referral method Self - referral, Professional Referral, Information only. via the form on the website or contact Tel 01223 863511/ info@talktostars.org.uk.
Referrals from Peterborough for young people aged 13 and above can be made to Centre 33 https://centre33.org.uk/help/how-we-can-help/
Type of support clinical and non- clinical
Other information This free service provides bereavement support counselling for children and young people aged 4-19 both pre-bereavement and post-bereavement, and telephone advice to families and schools supporting children and young people experiencing or facing close bereavement.
Services for Young carers
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who often take on the practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
The Centre 33 Young Carers Project works with young carers up to their 19th birthday. They work in schools, groups, one to one and with community groups across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
https://centre33.org.uk/help/caring/
Caring Together is a leading charity supporting carers of all ages across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk. https://www.caringtogether.org/support-for-carers/young-carers
Pinpoint ‘Having a child with an additional need and disability affects the whole family – including brothers and sisters. And they also need support to manage their feelings, information and “me” time.’
https://www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk/useful-information/getting-a-break-from-caring/siblings-young-carers/
