Bucks' children's mental health services see big rise in referrals
A Council meeting yesterday focused on the impact the pandemic has had on them
The Children's Mental Health Service for Buckinghamshire has seen a big rise in referrals since the start of the pandemic.
The Children's & Education Select Committee met yesterday afternoon, and looked at the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on children and young people in Buckinghamshire.
The council's Committee looked at a report on the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) in Buckinghamshire, including how schools have been supporting in encouraging positive well being.
A report attached to this meeting explains:
"Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, children and young people have experienced major changes in their lives. These have affected their family situation as well as their access to education, leisure and other services."
An increase of referrals has been reported for March 2020 and August 2020.
With anxiety, self harm and conduct among the top reasons for referral.
Neurodevelopmental issues was also seen as a top reason for referral, but this is believed to be because of a change in the service provision.
The Committee were also focused on what support is available in schools, and how this is provided.
With the issue of support being present in schools, including special schools was also a focus.
The ability to access services and awareness of how to support within mainstream provisions is part of the report.
Examples of support services offered like PPEPCare were looked at.
There was also a focus on wellbeing support in Buckinghamshire schools, explaining a partnership between the council and Apsire ran five expert sessions that were free to schools.
They were based on the needs and priorities identified from a survery of headteachers in June 2020 and focused on; looking after staff wellbeing, emotional regulation, trauma and PTSD, attachment disorder and loss/bereavement and anxiety.
The report also highlighted the need for bereavement services to be available to all students.