NHS ‘virtual waiting room’ launched for parents to support their child’s mental health

An NHS ‘virtual waiting room’ has been launched for parents to support their child’s mental health.

The families and teachers of young people on the waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Southwark can now access myHealthe, an online NHS online portal which connects families and teachers with CAMHS.

The online waiting room was created in response to a campaign from South London Listens, a community-driven partnership focused on promoting mental well-being across South London.

South London Listens carried out listening with more than 6,000 people in 2020 and established four priority areas.

Many parents wanted mental health support for them and their children, but did not know where to access it.

Specifically, people asked NHS trusts and local authorities to improve the experience for young people on the waiting list for mental health services.

Miata Noah, a teacher at Harris Girls’ Academy in Homestall Road, East Dulwich said: “I am so lucky to have taken part in the South London Listens campaign where we heard from parents about their experiences during the pandemic. Of course, mental health was very prevalent.

“Now, seeing the advent of the CAMHS virtual waiting room will not only provide assurance for parents and their young people while they wait for treatment, but also provide a useful tool for practitioners.

“For me this shows how powerful people are when they come together, they can make change.”

In the last year alone, in Southwark CAMHS accepted more than 1,700 referrals for mental health services.

MyHealthe is one of the ways the NHS is using digital technology to offer better services.

It is already being used by more than 7,500 families in South London, with nearly 2,000 users in Southwark.

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