Wellbeing & Mental Health

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.

If you are worried about your child's mental health then please speak to us. Below are details of organisations which may help as well.

CAMHS

The Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is provided by East London Foundation Trust (ELFT). The service operates through four family consultation clinics based in Bedford, Dunstable, Mid Beds and Luton.

Each clinic will offer assessment and treatment to young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues.

Clinics consist of a range of specialist trained professionals including:

• art therapist
• clinical psychology
• family therapy
• nursing
• psychiatry
• psychotherapy
• social work

CAMHS Talk is a series of podcasts where you can listen to staff interviews, hear lively discussions between staff, service users and their families and get first-hand information about what it’s like to come to the CAMHS.

CHUMS

The CHUMS Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People provides therapeutic support in a variety of ways. CHUMS has developed a unique service delivery model to ensure that children and young people are able to access a service that supports their individual needs.

Young Minds

Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences they campaign, research and influence policy and practice. It also provides expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through a parents' helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.

Kooth

Bedfordshire CCG and partners have commissioned XenZone to provide an emotional and mental health support service for children and young people aged between 11 – 19 years. The service is called Kooth. It is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and offers local children and young people between the ages of 11 and 19, 24-hour access to self-help materials, mood-tracking and goal setting tools, and live, moderated forums. The regular forums cover topics ranging from exam stress and anxiety to eating disorders and grief. Young people can also log on to access one-to-one online counselling sessions with a qualified counsellor from 12pm until 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm until 10pm on weekends

ChatHealth

ChatHealth is for young people (aged 11-19) to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues, such as emotional wellbeing, diet or physical health, or to make an appointment with a school nurse. To access ChatHealth, simply text 07507 331450.