A new pilot scheme will see mental health experts involved in children’s social care across Greater Manchester.
Announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the pilot will run in Stockport, Tameside and Rochdale from early 2027.
Up to 7,000 children and young people are expected to be covered, including those in care, on child protection plans, leaving care or adopted.
The government is putting up to £9.4m into the scheme over three years and it will be run by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, working with three local authorities.
The pilot follows an independent review by Professor Fonagy into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, which called for mental health services to work more closely together.
Dame Diana Johnson, minister of state for public health and patient safety, said ‘fragmented’ mental health services have left care experienced children, and their families, confused about where they should go for support.
‘We are committed to change how we support young people and this exciting and innovative pilot will see thousands more children across Greater Manchester get specialist mental health support based on their personal needs and in quicker time, before they reach crisis point,’ she added.
The pilot is due to run until 2029, after which an evaluation will look at whether it could be rolled out to other parts of England.
Professor Manisha Kumar, chief clinical officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: ‘Our focus remains on creating a system that provides support earlier, improves access, strengthens integration across services and delivers better outcomes for children, young people and their families.’
Government research shows 45% to 50% of children looked after in England have a diagnosable mental health disorder. What’s more, 70% to 80% have recognisable mental health concerns or emotional wellbeing concerns.
‘We know that mental health outcomes are often impacted by a range of issues,’ Professor Kumar continued. ‘Children who are known to social care have often experienced a range of adversity.
‘By meeting needs earlier and in a joined-up way, we will provide trauma informed care and holistic support to ensure this vulnerable group have the right support at the right time.’
Image: Chris Curry/UnSplash
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