Communication support
1. HLP CYPMH monthly bulletin
The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Programme at Healthy London Partnership publishes a monthly bulletin, which provides updates on current and upcoming events, latest guidelines/work that has been published, and general programme information on work that is taking place in London
December 2021 Bulletin
2. Communications framework to support children and young people, parents and carers, staff and leaders working in education
This communications framework has been created to support parents and carers, staff and leaders working in education for 2021. This document has been revised to align with the school calendar and to respond to emerging feedback, themes, or issues as we move into further stages of the response to COVID-19. It aims to provide a basis for services provided by the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector working together to meet the needs of young Londoners in particular. While specific arrangements will vary across boroughs, this document sets out an overarching framework which can be used in London-wide communications to create a consistent set of messages on how to seek help. It also contains a summary of where help is available online and it brings together the various resources available.
3. Crisis support and messaging
Every NHS mental health trust in London has put these in place, so children, young people and their families can get help quickly when they need it. Professionals are also able to access these crisis lines if they are concerned about or would like advice about a child, young person, or family.
Children, young people, and their families can get free help, advice, and urgent mental health support from 24/7 crisis telephone lines available in every London borough.
Telephone numbers for all London boroughs, as well as other support available, can be viewed on our urgent support lines page.
You can also visit Good Thinking’s How to Get Urgent Support page for information on NHS 24/7 helplines, charity helplines and other resources and NHS support.
Crisis messaging communications toolkit
Healthy London Partnership has launched a campaign to raise awareness among young people and their families of London’s free NHS mental health crisis lines.
The campaign has been developed with feedback and input from young people and parents, and will be largely based on social media, and for use in education and community settings, GP surgeries, etc.
A communications toolkit of social media assets, posters, and articles for your own publications and website can be downloaded here. Please help us to reach young people and families by using these resources on your social media channels and promoting them through your own stakeholders and networks.
4. Eating disorders
Guidelines for primary care, education professionals on referring children and young with eating disorders
Healthy London Partnership in partnership with Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, has launched updated eating disorder guidelines for primary care, education professionals and voluntary community sector.
The guidelines share advice about spotting the signs of eating disorders and when to refer children and young people to the community eating disorders service for specialist support. They have been endorsed by GPs, educational staff and VCS organizations.
Download the primary care guidelines
Download the education guidelines
Additional support
Our updated guidelines also provide information on free additional support for parents and carers. Beat in partnership with London’s three Children and Young People’s Mental Health Inpatient Provider Collaboratives and Healthy London Partnership is offering Nexus, a telephone support service for parents caring for a loved one who has an eating disorder and Solace, an online peer support group where parents can find support and empathy from people who truly understand what they’re experiencing. Andrew Radford, Chief Executive of Beat, said: “we know that caring for a loved one with an eating disorder can be an isolating experience, but that carers can play an essential role in helping a loved one recover from an eating disorder. That’s why we are pleased to offer our free programmes, Nexus and Solace. To make a referral call Beat’s Supportline on 0808 801 0356. Parents and carers can also access these services through their GP or by calling the CarEd Supportline directly.”
Eating disorders communications messaging toolkit
This toolkit was created for teachers, school professionals, parents and carers and GPs. The pack includes key messages and accompanying visuals to be used on social media channels during Eating Disorder Week 2021. Also included, are guidelines for educational professionals in relation to ‘Spotting the signs’, and for GPs in relation to referrals/actions around those presenting ‘red flags’.
Download the CYP eating disorders communications toolkit here.
5. Good Thinking Young People’s digital platform campaign toolkit
Good Thinking launched an extended platform for young people in 2021. We hope you can support this campaign for #YoungLondon.
See the campaign toolkit here.
Building on three successful years of supporting those living or working in London, Good Thinking is now available to young people aged 13-18, as part of London’s health and care vision on the theme of improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young Londoners.
Thanks to the Mayor of London and our collaboration with Partnership for Young London, we have been able to provide a range of tools and apps to help manage sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, low mood, and other feelings. This is a timely initiative to help empower young people to take control of their wellbeing and to raise awareness of the mental health support available, which can support them through the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond.