Success in Children and Young People’s Psychological Therapies

Over the past three years I’ve been involved in many successful tenders for clinical services. I’ve written Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and completed Invitation to Participate in Dialogue and final Tender documentation. I’ve worked closely with clinicians and managers to challenge their service models and document organisational structures, service models and care pathways.

Most recently I’ve been working for NHS South Central, the University of Reading and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust on Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for Children and Young People. I’m delighted to say that our collaborative was one of only three in the country to be funded in phase one of the introduction of children’s IAPT.

The University of Reading and Oxford Health NHS FT have joined to be a collaborative for CAMHS IAPT (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Improving Access to Psychological Therapy). It will cover Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset and Gloucestershire.

The partnership is one of three areas in phase one of the children’s IAPT; the others are in London and Manchester.

The Children and Young People’s IAPT project is a new strand within the overall IAPT Programme. Its initial focus will be on anxiety and depressive disorders and conduct disorder for children under 18.

The funding will be used to train practitioners to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and depression and implement a parenting programme for children with conduct disorder.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “We’re breaking new ground with this investment in children’s mental health. We’re working with young people and staff to start to change the way mental health is delivered by the NHS.

“Half of those with mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14, and three quarters before their mid-20s. This pioneering work will focus on early and effective treatment. We know psychological therapies work. Our aim is to transform existing mental health services for children so our children get the best treatment possible, from services that are more responsive to their needs.”

Here’s Professor Roz Shafran discussing the programme: Roz Shafran – IAPT mental health support for young people

Congratulations to all involved. I’m proud to have played a part in challenging, organising, costing and submitting this successful bid for much needed and groundbreaking funding.