To support our Parents and Carers, we have prepared a list of frequently asked questions to provide further understanding of our range of early mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families.
What support is available?
We work together across Tees Valley (Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland) to provide early mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and families.
Support is available through Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in schools and through the Tees Valley Getting Help Service. We work together to help children and young people who may be experiencing new, emerging or early presentations of common mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties, including:
- Anxiety and worries
- Low mood
- Stress
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulties managing emotions
- Self-harm
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Difficulties linked to family, friendships or school life
Support is based on need, not on how a child enters the service.
How do I access support?
If your child’s school has a Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
- We recommend speaking to your school’s Mental Health Lead or a member of school staff first.
- This is often the quickest and most effective way to access support, as schools can work closely with our team to understand your child’s needs.
- Through regular consultations with schools, we can consider the support already in place and identify what additional help may be needed.
- Schools can make referrals where appropriate and help coordinate support.
- If you would prefer not to access support through the school, you can still contact the Tees Valley Getting Help Service directly.
If your child’s school does not have an MHST
- You can contact the Tees Valley Getting Help Service directly.
- Our team will listen, offer advice and help identify the most appropriate support for your child.
Do I need to know which service is right for my child?
No.
Whether you contact us through your school or through the Tees Valley Getting Help Service, we will work together to make sure your child gets the support they need.
Will my child receive different support depending on how they access the service?
No.
Whether support is accessed through an MHST or through the Getting Help Service, every child and young person is considered in the same way.
We focus on understanding what support is needed and making sure children and young people receive the right help at the right time.
What if my child is autistic, has ADHD, or has additional needs?
Children and young people do not need a diagnosis to access support from our service.
We support children and young people with mental health and wellbeing difficulties whether or not they have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD or another additional need.
If a child is experiencing new, emerging or early presentations of difficulties such as anxiety, worries, low mood, stress or emotional difficulties, we can offer support for those needs.
Will support be adapted for my child?
Yes.
We understand that every child is different. We will work with you and your child to understand their needs and make adjustments to support wherever possible.
This may include adapting resources, changing how sessions are delivered, or making other changes to help your child engage with support.
Does your service provide autism or ADHD assessments?
No.
We are not a diagnostic service and do not carry out assessments for autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
If you have concerns that your child may need an autism or ADHD assessment, you can speak to your child’s school or GP, who can advise you on the most appropriate next steps. You can get more information and support from the NHS North East and North Cumbria Neurodevelopment Pathway to see what else is available in your area.
Does your service prescribe medication?
No.
We do not prescribe medication or provide medical treatment.
If your child needs more specialist assessment, treatment or support, we work closely with the Getting More Help team and other services to help families access the right support.
What if my child needs more specialist support?
Many children and young people can be supported through our Getting Help offer, particularly when needs are new, emerging or at an early stage.
Some children and young people may need support from a more specialist mental health team, known as the Getting More Help team. This might be helpful if their worries, mood or emotional difficulties are significantly affecting daily life in a bigger way, if they need a more detailed assessment, or if they may benefit from specialist treatment or ongoing support. If this is the right next step, we will help families connect with the most appropriate service.
Working together for children and families
Our MHSTs, Tees Valley Getting Help Service, schools, Getting More Help and voluntary sector partners work together as one network of support.