Brent Centre For Young People - Mental Health in Schools

Walk in Referral Service Psychotherapy Mental Health in Schools Suicidal adolescent Project

Mental Health in Schools

In January 1999, we initiated a Schools Pilot Project with Preston Manor School in Wembley. Part funding from the Laura Ashley Foundation enabled us to appoint a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, Mr Emil Jackson, to develop this project. Mr Jackson has been involved in weekly consultations with both staff and young people at Preston Manor School over concerns that have occurred during the week.

Objectives of the Project are:

to increase observational skills of teachers;
to identify children whose behaviour is of particular concern and facilitate referrals to Brent Adolescent Centre and child and family units;
to develop a greater understanding about the meaning of children's behaviour as well as about the possible causes of these difficulties;
to contribute to staff skills in helping children achieve their potential both in terms of their academic and emotional development.

The project has been very successful with a group of 21 staff (split into two groups) meeting at 8am on alternate Thursday mornings. Our Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist also sees teachers and children individually for the rest of the morning. Children (aged 14-18) who need further help are seen at the Walk In Mental Health Service.

From April 2000, with further funding from the Brent Joint Consultative Committee, we extended the project to another school, Queen's Park Community School, and increased the number of hours in the schools as well as the provision of more intensive psychotherapeutic intervention for adolescents in the schools who need treatment. We intend to extend this service to other schools in Brent.