Four to 19-year-olds struggling with issues such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, or feeling low, are currently supported by the Kent Children and Young People’s Counselling Service.
But with KCC’s contract with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust to run this existing service ending in March 2026, there is an opportunity to re-think how to meet the needs of more children and young people with mild to medium needs, more quickly.
Specialist children’s mental health services for those with higher needs are commissioned by NHS Kent and Medway and are not part of this consultation.
National research has indicated that around 1 in 5 children and young people are experiencing poor mental health.
Now you are invited to have your say on the proposed Therapeutic Support Service.
Visit the consultation webpage www.kent.gov.uk/cypwellbeingsupport to find out more and see the ‘Further help’ section below for extra support to take part.
A summary version of the consultation and questionnaire for young people are also available from the webpage, or on request. The deadline for responses is midnight, 12 November 2024.
The proposed new service would offer children and young people:
- more choice – of a range of age-appropriate creative therapies, therapeutic group activities and one-to-one sessions for those who need it
- creative and active support – such as drama, sport and team-building exercises, to express feelings, understand emotions, learn coping techniques and build resilience
- tailored help – including for neurodivergent individuals, and opportunities to meet others going through similar experiences to support each other
The Therapeutic Support Service would:
- be part of the wider local system of children and young people’s mental health services and the Kent Family Hub network – helping staff across different areas of expertise work more closely together
- keep the same budget that funds the current counselling service
“With the current counselling contract due to end in 18 months, we have the chance to re-imagine how we support more of our children and young people more quickly”
KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen more children and young people experiencing poor mental health. This impacts every aspect of their life from learning, sleeping and social skills to the ability to manage daily routines.
“With the current counselling contract due to end in 18 months, we have the chance to re-imagine how we support more of our children and young people more quickly with their mental health needs.
“Gathering views will help ensure our final decisions take into account both professional expertise and the lived experiences of parents, carers, teachers, children and young people.”
A summary of responses, along with an Equality Impact Assessment, are expected to be presented to KCC’s Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee in March 2025. A decision by the Cabinet Memberfor Adult Social Care and Public Health will then follow.
Further information:
- if you need the consultation materials in another format, including Easy Read, or language, please:
- email: alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk
- call: 03000 421 553
- text relay: 18001 03000 421 553
- need help to take part, have a question or need paper copies of the documentation? Email phstprogramme@kent.gov.uk. or call 03000 413 487
- all numbers go to answer machines which are monitored in office hours, 9am to 5pm
Need support now?
- people of all ages who are in crisis can now call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional
- for non-urgent support please visit www.kent.gov.uk/cyp-mental-health-support
- young people can also text ChatHealth (for 11-19 year olds) on 07520 618850 for support Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or visit kooth.com (for 10-25 year olds) for online support. Online counselling is available from 12pm to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends; all other online features on the site can be accessed at any time, 24/7. These services are confidential and anonymous
- alternatively, text SHOUT to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160
