The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (EWMHS) is a free service providing both preventative resources and targeted, specialist emotional wellbeing and mental health support for young people aged between 0-18, living in Southend, Essex or Thurrock. EWMHS is also available to anybody with Special Educational Needs (SEN) up to the age of 25.
The type of support offered by the EWMHS will vary depending on the needs of the young person. The service offer a range of both individual and group talking therapies such as:
Access the service:
A child or young person can contact us directly
Any parent/guardian or professional such as a teacher, school nurse or GP can contact us on the behalf of the young person
The Information portal is designed to support schools in finding online material and content in supporting children and young people in educational settings.
Promoting Positive Emotional Wellbeing and Reducing the Risk of Suicide (Autumn 2018) - This toolkit has been produced to support schools in promoting positive emotional well-being and mental health, but also to offer advice and guidance should they experience a death in their community due to suicide. However, it may be used by any professional working with children and young people as a source of information and support. In addition, the advice contained within it to support pupils will be relevant to a range of issues. Appendices to support this guidance pack (editable word document).
#SpotTheSigns someone is thinking about suicide
#BedtimeStories - raising awareness of the impact of online bullying
For some people, mental health issues can see their lives ‘spiral’ but what if you could introduce specialist support when things first start to go wrong and help support recovery before homelessness, a job loss or a family break-up occurs?
Essex County Council’s Mental Health Social Care and Assessment team offers early intervention, prevention and recovery to tackle issues before they become overwhelming.
The team, which includes social workers specialising in mental health, will accept referrals from young people with a mental health condition aged 18 and over. It aims to help people use their own skills and resources to achieve their goals, addressing a range of issues relating to their mental health including employment and housing. This includes signposting to resources within the wider community and working closely with statutory services, voluntary, and charitable organisations to promote residents’ wellbeing.
To make a referral:
Call: 03330 322958 (9am-5pm Monday – Thursday, 9am-4.30pm – Friday).
The team will accept referrals for people aged 18 and above within the boundaries of Essex County Council, where a social care assessment is required in response to their mental health condition.
Who can make a referral?
Please note, that for all referrals, the mental health condition must be the primary need.
Raise concerns with EWMHS
Professionals, parents/carers and young people can raise concerns with the Single Point of Access team. Telephone: 0300 300 1600 (9am to 5pm). Out of hours (urgent support) - outside normal working hours telephone: 0300 555 1201
Kooth, is a free online counselling service for young people in Essex.
Big White Wall is a free, anonymous, online resource for young people aged 16-18 (16-25 year-olds with Special Educational Needs), providing a safe community to talk.
Papyrus HOPELineUk is a confidential support and advice service for young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide/ anyone concerned a young person may be having thoughts of suicide.
Samaritans - Call free any time, from any phone on 116 123.
ESCB POLICY - Practice Guidance and Care Pathway for Children and Young People who are admitted to Psychiatric In-patient Units in Essex
Promoting Positive Emotional Wellbeing and Reducing the Risk of Suicide Toolkit
Essex Effective Support - Directory of Services
My Mind offers digital resources via a website and app.
The Parents Say toolkit - toolkit to improve the participation of parents and carers in mental health services for children and young people (CYP).
The Mental Capacity Act in Practice: Part 1 - increase professional understanding of the Act in regard to assessing capacity and making decisions.