Supporting schools & Professionals with children and young people’s mental health
Supporting Schools
As part of the NHS 10 year Long Term Plan, all schools in England will have access to a mental health support team by 2030.
10 Year Healthcare Plan link
More than half of schools across Tees Valley already have access to dedicated mental health support team and a named mental health practitioner working directly with them. To bridge that gap, The Getting Help Service will provide
in-school support for children and staff which will include a named mental health practitioner.
For schools in Middlesbrough and Redcar, you may be able to get additional support with your Whole School Approach from HeadStart
https://www.headstartsouthtees.co.uk/
Supporting GPs
If parents or young people request support through general practice and you have a children and young peoples mental health practitioner as part of your Primary Care Network (PCN) please request a triage. Alternatively, you can advise parents, carers and young people to use the digital self-referral process or contact us directly on 0300 2000 000
Other Professionals
Professionals working with children and young people (e.g., Early Help, youth workers, voluntary sector practitioners) should:
- Encourage families to speak with their child’s school about existing support.
- Advise families that they can self-refer to us.
- If needed, contact us directly for advice or support.
- Alternatively, families can also speak to their GP surgery’s Primary Care Nurse, if one is available.
Support available for Schools and Educational
Settings in the Tees Valley
Advice And Guidance for Schools
“Having a regular space to talk with our mental health practitioner has helped us feel much more confident in supporting students early on.”
Headteacher, partner school
Continuous professional development
Access free, high-quality continuous professional development for school staff and support sessions on topics such as:
- emotional regulation
- exam stress
- sleep
- transitions
- wellbeing in school
- peer mentoring programmes
Professional consultation
Monthly or half-termly consultations with your school’s named mental health practitioner, meeting with SLT or key leads to:
- identify pupils who may need early support – pre referral discussion
- access practical resources and tools
- support onward referrals where needed
- share learning and build confidence across your team
This consultation model is used in mental health support teams, and feedback has shown it helps schools identify needs earlier, build staff confidence, and reduce escalation.
Support Young People’s Wellbeing with Wysa
Young people aged 13 to 18 and over (or 11+ with parental support) now have free access to the Wysa App – a clinically safe, evidence-based mental health tool designed to provide advice, guidance, and self-help resources anytime, anywhere.
We encourage schools and professionals to share this fantastic resource with young people and families. Wysa offers a safe space for young people to build resilience, manage stress, and access support in a way that feels comfortable and confidential.
If you would like posters, digital materials, or an information session for staff, students, or parents, please get in touch.
We’re here to help you promote this valuable resource.
How to access
Once downloaded, enter a referral code: tsidecyp2025 when asked.
Got Any Questions about Wysa?
Our FAQ leaflet to help answer any questions you may have.
View the leaflet here
Getting Help
Goal focused for those who need it.
Evidence-based interventions
Our practitioners provide a range of evidence-based interventions to support mild to moderate mental health needs, including:
- low mood
- anxiety
- behavioural and emotional regulation
- transitions and change
- early trauma and attachment-related difficulties
“We’ve seen real progress in
pupils who’ve accessed
short-term interventions —
it’s made a big difference.”
SENCO, primary school
Getting More Help and Risk Support
This is extensive support for more complex needs.
“It’s reassuring to know we’re not managing this alone. The joint work with the Getting More Help team means our students are getting the right care sooner.”
Deputy Head, Secondary School
Getting More Help
We work closely with the Getting More Help teams and crisis services, helping schools to:
- identify when specialist support is needed
- make appropriate referrals
- coordinate care for young people with more complex needs
This ensures that no young person falls through the gaps, and every pupil gets access to the right level of care.
Digital online support and training
As part of our digital offer, we can provide free online training for school staff, parents and carers. Topics include:
- what is anxiety?
- supporting young people who self-harm
- understanding low mood
- trauma-informed approaches
- supporting neurodivergent learners
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at serious risk, please don’t wait. Please call NHS 111 and choose option 2. In an emergency, call 999 or visit the nearest A&E.
Supporting parents and carers
We work in partnership with schools to shape the right offer for your community, making sure parents and carers feel heard, included and supported.
“Parents have told us they feel reassured knowing there’s someone in school they can speak to about their child’s mental health.”
Pastoral Lead, Secondary School
We know that parents and carers play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Our aim is to work alongside schools to make sure families feel informed, supported and confident in knowing what to do and where to turn if they have concerns.
We can support your school to engage and empower parents and carers by offering:
- information sessions on common mental health topics such as anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, sleep and self-harm
- drop-in sessions to offer informal advice and guidance in a safe, approachable space
- attendance at parents’ evenings, transition events, and other school-based activities to connect with families at key stages
- signposting to local and online resources including self-help tools, apps and services
- support in communicating with parents about a child’s emotional wellbeing, where appropriate
Contacts
If your school has a Getting Help practitioner or is part of an MHST, you are already part of this growing system of support.
If you’re unsure who your named practitioner is, or would like to know more about what’s available, please get in touch with our team:
If you’re a school in Hartlepool, Stockton or Darlington, contact our North Tees Hub alliance.teesvalleygettinghelpntd@nhs.net
If you’re a school in Middlesbrough or Redcar, contact our South Tees Hub – tewv.stspoc-camhs@nhs.net