CAMHS supports children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties, working closely with families and carers from the start to understand what is happening and what support may help.

We provide evidence-based care tailored to each young person’s needs, with a focus on recovery, emotional wellbeing and helping them move forward.

We also work closely with other services across the region so children, young people and families can access the right support at the right time.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a specialist service for children and young people up to the age of 18 years old. We help those who have had very hard experiences or feel distress and need extra support. This can be because of feelings, relationships or situations which start to get in the way of home life, education, hobbies and friendships. This can make it really hard to cope with everyday life

We know that relationships are important in wellbeing, and so we like to work with families, parents/carers as early as possible when accessing CAMHS. We also work together with other services such as school, college, and social care. We know the importance of you deciding who you would like to be involved in your care. We aim to build a safe and supportive structure around the child/young person and family.

What does crisis mean?

‘Crisis’ can describe many different situations and can be different for everyone. For those experiencing a mental health problem, it could mean a time when you need urgent help, where you feel unable to keep yourself or another person safe.

You may have felt this way before and know where to get help, or it could be the first time you’ve felt this way.

Different things might work for you at different times, such as speaking to someone you trust, calling a helpline, making a doctor’s appointment, or going to A&E.

The important thing to know is help is available. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time if you ask for support.

Contact point

Tel: 01482 303688

Who can refer?

Any professional working with young people can refer – we would ask them to complete the on-line referral form found here 

We also take telephone referrals from parents/carers of a young person of any age under 18 years and from young people themselves if they are 16 years old and above.