Dozens of pupils have been helped by teams providing mental health support to children.

Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced in 2019 that it had been successful in a bid to be awarded funding for a joint initiative by NHS England and DfE which would enable the implementation of mental health support teams in schools.

Enough funding was secured for two teams in the Morecambe Bay area, with one covering schools in Barrow.

Pupils at the schools have renamed the service 'Moving Mindsets' and it has been praised for breaking down barriers and providing vital support.

Andrea Amacna, deputy safeguarding lead and head of Year 9 at Walney Secondary School, said: “Since welcoming the mental health practitioners into Walney school I have been so pleased with the support they have been able to offer.

“I've seen such positive changes within the students since they've been referred and it has been wonderful that they have been picked up so swiftly by the fantastic team working with our school; this service is having a really positive impact on the wellbeing of our students.

THANKFUL: Walney Secondary School

THANKFUL: Walney Secondary School

“So far, we have had around 30 pupils who have taken part in one-to-one support CBT therapy sessions and the list is growing. It’s a vital service for Walney and I’m so grateful for this fantastic team.”

Ran and managed by Barnardo's while supervised by NHS staff, they provide early intervention on mild-to-moderate mental health issues, as well as providing support to the staff.

Dr Lauren Dixon, GP executive lead for children and young people at Morecambe Bay CCG, said: “This is fantastic news for the local area and I’m so happy to hear that the schools are already seeing the benefits of having mental health support teams available to them.

“For many children, lockdown restrictions have been particularly difficult so providing support for their mental health is vital and we would encourage them and their families to seek help if needed.

“Having mental health support teams in schools means that children with mental health needs get help at a much earlier stage and our CAMHS services can then focus on those who need the specialist input they provide.

“The bid was specifically targeted to meet the needs that young people have told us about, and it was developed in partnership with schools, the voluntary sector, CAMHS and local authorities.”