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.
To access the service:
A child or young person can contact EWMHS directly
Any parent/guardian or professional such as a teacher, school nurse or GP can contact us on the behalf of the young person
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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: 0800 953 0222.
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.
My Mind offers digital resources via a website and app.
ESCB POLICY - Practice Guidance and Care Pathway for Children and Young People who are admitted to Psychiatric In-patient Units in Essex
Essex Effective Support - Directory of Services