Our work on CAMHS in Calderdale reveals life impact on children, young people and families

Healthwatch Calderdale has been working with young people and families to assist them accessing support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Calderdale, specifically where the child has autism. 

Much of our work is on a one-to-one basis, but in 2019 we decided to bring together our work to find out more about the challenges people face accessing CAMHS and the life impact.

Our findings show:

• Some children are missing out or falling behind in their education because of the lack of support available while they wait for assessments under CAMHS umbrella services.
• Patients continue to face long waiting times.
• Those with mental health needs and ASC are left without the support they need for both conditions, due to omissions in mental health care for people with ASC.
• Carers experience a lack of support.
• Parents cite communication concerns when dealing with CAMHS, including calls not being returned.
• The health and employment of parents/carers was negatively impacted because of dealing with their child’s health and care needs and lack of support.
• All of the above gives people a negative perception of the CAMHS service locally.

Our report has already been presented to the partnership organisations and we’ve asked for a response by December 20. Click here to read the full report.

Thank you to all who took part and responded to our survey. We will work with partnership organisations to continue to amplify the voices of those we hear from and support them to get the best they can for their loved one.