Changes to Calderdale CAMHS during Covid-19

April 22, 2020

Calderdale’s Open Mind Partnership (OMP) has updated how it is working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The OPM, which is the name for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) locally, has had to make some access changes and is prioritising help and support for children and young people in crisis and those with eating disorders.

If you feel your child is in crisis or has an eating disorder, they ask you ring the First Point of Contact on 01422 300 001 where you can speak to a clinician.

The vast majority of work is being done by telephone or online.

If you have concerns about the emotional health of a young person, you can contact the OMP on:
Telephone: 01422 300 001
Email firstpointofcontact@calderdalecamhs.org.uk
Or visit https://calderdalecamhs.org.uk/how-to-refer/

The OMP is still accepting referrals and responding to queries linked to emotional wellbeing, mental health, autism and attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Work is being done for anyone referred for an assessment so clinicians are prepared for when face-to-face appointments can take place again.

For parents:
Northpoint (an OMP member) has worked with Silvercloud Health to develop a free digital treatment programme for adults which can be accessed by parents, carers, staff and any adult who might find it helpful.

It includes a newly developed ‘Space from Covid 19’ module which has been designed by experts to help people dealing with difficult emotions brought on by coronavirus. The content includes some advice on how to talk to children about coronavirus related anxieties. There are also modules on sleep, stress, and resilience for adults.

To access visit https://nhs.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/  and use the code ‘north – the site is secure, anonymous and confidential. No referral is required.

For young people aged 13+
Silvercloud have also worked with Northpoint and the Tough Times Reference group to develop a separate online programme for young people aged 13+ with anxiety and worries. The YP programme involves remote input from a trained CAMHS supporter. It can be accessed via a referral to the First Point of Contact (details above) from a parent/carer or professional who knows the child.

Other support services include:

  • Helpful coronavirus emotional wellbeing resources: org.uk/category/help-and-support-coronavirus/
  • kooth.com is a free, safe anonymous online counselling and support service for children and young people aged 10 to 25 years old. It’s open until 10.00pm every evening, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It has lots of resources, forums and peer support, including 10 ways you can manage coronavirus panic and Yoga for physical and mental wellbeing.
  • TimeOut Calderdale: timeoutcalderdale.co.uk– for daily activities during the pandemic, a blog and other advice for 10-19-year-olds to feel good and stay well
  • Information and advice related to autism and social communication needs can be found on the Calderdale Local Offer website: https://calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/education-and-learning/local-offer/send (Please note that some of the information refers to support available before the coronavirus pandemic began).
  • Childline is a free, private and confidential service where children and young people can talk about anything – you can contact them on 0800 1111 or visit their website: org.uk

 



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