Priority Theme : Mental Health
Priority – Children and young people’s mental health is promoted and improved.
Introduction
The aim of the GIRFEC Mental Health Thematic Group is to promote wellbeing, prevent mental ill-health, and strengthen the supports available for children and young people who may experience poor mental health.
The main focus for the group during 2023-2024 has been the implementation of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports & Services, and developing knowledge, skills and confidence within the multi-agency workforce to support children and young peoples’ mental health.
Membership: Educational Psychology, Primary and Secondary School Leaders, Children’s Services Social Work, Police Scotland, Public Health, Health, Child & Family Mental Health and Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action Group.
Aims and Goals
- To develop a multi-agency workforce with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
- Improve wellbeing of children and young people who may identify as LGBTQ+.
- Establish a baseline measure of young people’s mental health and wellbeing across Aberdeenshire.
- Ensure accessible 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families.
- Support children and adoptive parents to build strong relationships right at the very start, developing resilience as parents and as a family.
- Improve mental health outcomes for children aged 5-13 years who have experienced early trauma, stress or anxiety.
- Ensure targeted support is available through universal services for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate levels of anxiety.
- Improve mental health outcomes for care experienced children and young people.
Current work
We have developed and are currently delivering a number of programmes and interventions for our children and young people to access support to improve and promote their mental health, some examples of these include:
SAMH “Time for Me” Programme life skills course for young people aged 11-18 who are experiencing low mood, low level anxiety and / or low levels of confidence. Consisting of 50 minute sessions with a trained practitioner over a period of 7-8 weeks this programme is being delivered in 12 Aberdeenshire Academies .
Nature Nurture Practitioner posts in each Aberdeenshire locality aim to provide early intervention support to children aged 5-11 years who have experienced high levels of stress, anxiety or trauma. Nature Nurture Practitioners combine the principles of attachment-led nurture approaches with the therapeutic benefits of outdoor learning environments and child-led play.
The role of the Therapeutic Transition Worker commenced in April 2023, working within the Adoption team with a specific focus around working with children moving to adoption. The role involves working alongside the child’s existing network to build safe trusting relationships with children who need a family through adoption.
We have continued to ensure that digital mental health support is available on a 24/7 basis for young people aged 11-18 years through Kooth online mental health support and counselling service.
Four Pillars continue to deliver the Queer Equity Support Team (QuEST) programme to support the wellbeing of young people who identify as LGBTQ+. This support is offered to pupils on a self-referral basis and includes Advice & information; One to one support sessions; and Signposting to other services.
Resources
The Mental Health Hub, a comprehensive resource designed to support individuals and services in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing:
A number of e-learning and training courses are also available via ALDO, all Aberdeenshire staff are able to request an ALDO account.