I’LL BE THERE

As TV and radio broadcaster Roman Kemp was calling on government for more investment in children’s mental health last September, a new round the clock mental health crisis service was taking its first calls.

Since then, more than 1700 young people have accessed the 24 hour crisis response service in Cheshire and Merseyside. Admissions to local hospitals have gone down by almost two thirds.

The previous service ran between 9am and 9pm. If a young person went to hospital in crisis they would be admitted, even if they didn’t need to be, until the service reopened the next day.

Now working 24/7, the team can support young people aged up to 18 in hospital, or discharge quickly and support them at home or in a safe place in their community.

Lisa Simpson, clinical services manager for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services says the extended service is making a huge difference.

“Being in hospital at night can exacerbate problems. Admissions have reduced by 60 per cent since we launched, but even if someone is admitted, we’ll be there so they don’t need to stay so long.”

Many calls are from children in care. Most are struggling with trauma or to understand their emotions, or experiencing a breakdown in foster care relationships.

“We know not everyone can stay with their parent or carer,” says Lisa, “but it’s much better for them to be supported at home or in the community than in hospital. Our team working round the clock is helping that happen.”

Get In Touch

The 24 hour response team is for young people up to 18 and registered with a GP in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington. Call the team on 01744 415 640.

ROMAN’S LETTER

Roman Kemp is clear that, even with a loving family, good professional support is essential. He told government, “I would regularly find myself struggling to get through each day… proper support needs to be in place for those who need it.”

WATCH: Roman Kemp on Good Morning Britain: youtube.com