This is our regular update from the local team supporting Wirral schools and colleges with all things mental wellbeing.
We’d really appreciate you sharing this with your young people, families and wider networks.
If you have any feedback about the newsletter feel free to contact us via [email protected]
An update from your local team
We’re sure you’ll agree that 2021 hasn’t started in quite the way we had hoped! We do however wish you well for the year ahead and hope that you managed to get some much needed rest over the festive period.
We’re aware of the significant pressure that schools are under at present, trying to negotiate a way through the new lockdown. We’ll take this opportunity to remind you that between MHST and PMHT every school in Wirral has a link worker that will be more than happy to offer consultation and advice to try and support you through these difficult times. We had our first MHST Mental Health Leads Thinking Space session this week and we have a number more booked over the coming months so please do make use of these. For those who attended we hope you found it useful, we would welcome any feedback.
Coping with COVID-19
It’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed during these challenging times. Our free 24/7 mental health helpline for people of ALL ages (including children and 
young people) in Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral is still available if you need it. It is important for anyone who is struggling to know you are not alone. If you or someone you care for require urgent mental health support please call 0300 303 3972. You can also access our dedicated child and adolescent mental health website, MyMind contains a number of resources to help support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people struggling to cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
Supporting young people with Eating Disorders
There’s been a national increase in the number of young people presenting with eating disorders over the past year. If you are working with anyone who has or could be at risk of developing an eating disorder then you can access advice and support through the following links :CWP CAMHS Eating Disorder Services
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.ukOur local Eating Disorder Spoke Teams have also put together this very helpful document that includes signs and symptoms to look out for as well as useful contact numbers. Click here to access it.
Supporting young people with emerging Psychosis
You may also be working with young people experiencing symptoms of Psychosis. It is important that we try to recognise these symptoms as early as possible to ensure that young people get the right support. If you have concerns about a young person then you can discuss this with the MHST/PMH lead for your school. You can also access further information on our dedicated OpenMinded website which is run by the CWP Early Intervention Team.
Listen Up – Building Support Networks 
Our next Listen Up event is planned for 28th January and this is open to children, young people and parents/carers across Cheshire and Wirral.
The event will be focused on an idea that was generated by those who attended our last event. Building support networks was identified as an important, alternative, way for children and young people to access support around their mental health and well being. This was based on their idea that the support they need doesn’t always have to come from a specialist mental health professional. Please share this flyer with as many families as you can. Details of how they can book a place are included. Please click here.
MyMind website and social media
For more information about your local CAMHS service and access to a range of other resources about mental health please click on this link mymind.org.uk