Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, children and young people across the Midlands are receiving targeted mental health support.

This is down to an increase in Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in schools and colleges across the Midlands.

Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) are specially trained NHS staff that offer support and treatment for children and young people with their mental health, anxiety and depression.

This year Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 12 – Sunday 18 May. The theme is set by the Mental Health Foundation ever year, and for 2025 it is ‘community’.

The Midlands now has 121 Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges.

The Midlands has an average number of 216 children and young people who have contacted a MHST (with at least one attended appointment) for support from December 2023 – November 2024. This is above the national average of 214 contacts per team.

Claire Consterdine, MHST Manager from North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare said: “We have 7 MHST across schools in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the Moorlands.

“Schools and colleges are central pillars in the community. They are not just about education but about shaping the future, providing stability and fostering social development. They play a critical role in identifying and addressing social, emotional and mental health needs early on.

“MHST help to bridge the gaps between education and health, supporting and enhancing relationships in the community and improving outcomes for children.”

A student from Staffordshire said: “Talking to the Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) at school has really helped me feel less alone and tackle my fears and worries. I feel more confident in myself every day.”

In Warwickshire a MHST has been set-up to focus on 16 – 18-year-olds in education. Running for several years, this team provides help and support for students in sixth forms and colleges in Nuneaton and Bedworth. This age range and stage of development is unique and requires targeted support.

Andrew Howarth, a Mental Health Lead at North Warwickshire South Leicestershire College said: “The college have developed a good working relationship with the MHST. The recent anxiety focused workshop went well, and parents/carers that I have spoken to following the session, said it was very helpful.”

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “During Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond, it is vital that children and young people in the Midlands receive the help and support they need at school and college.

“By having support, students will gain confidence which so important for their education, relationships and home life. As well as helping them to thrive in the next steps of their education”.

Parents and carers can help to look after a child or young person’s mental health. The Every Mind Matters website has information on how to give children and young people support and help to keep them mentally healthy.

Further plans for the development of children and young people’s mental health care are described in the NHS Long Term Plan and set out in detail for local areas in the Mental Health Implementation Plan.