Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has officially become the new provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in schools across Berkshire West, following a recent tender process.
Monday 4 August
MHSTs provide early intervention and support for children and young people experiencing emerging, mild or moderate mental health difficulties, such as low mood and anxiety. The teams form an integral part of BHFT’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and play a crucial role in assisting schools to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Berkshire Healthcare brings significant expertise to the role, having successfully delivered MHSTs in schools across Berkshire East since 2019.
This transition follows a carefully managed period aimed at ensuring minimal disruption to schools, families, and young people. The Trust worked closely with partners to maintain continuity of care and ensure ongoing support remained in place throughout the process.
Louise Noble, Service Director, Children, Families and All-Age Services, said:
“We are delighted to expand our work in schools across Berkshire West and continue our commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. We look forward to working closely with schools, families and children to provide the highest quality care.”
Berkshire Healthcare is confident that this change represents an opportunity to build on existing support and to work in partnership with schools to deliver a high-quality, integrated approach to mental health moving forward.
More information on the MHSTs can be found here: CAMHS Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) | Children Young People and Families Online Resource