Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families 

This report sets out the proposed procurement strategy for key services which form part of minding the gap (MTG). The strategy also includes Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) systemic integrative therapy (a progressive, intensive form of family based psychotherapy for children and their families).

Minding the gap is an innovative approach to mental health services for young people aged 16-24 that has a national profile. It was created by Camden Council in partnership with Camden CCG in 2015 and co-designed with young people. The key aim of MTG is to improve transitions between child and adult mental health services, to improve the reach of mental health services for young people aged 16-24 and to destigmatise health services by offering holistic and integrated support. Since its launch in 2015 it has received significant national attention, with visits from Sir Malcolm Grant (at the time Chair of NHS England) and others with influence in the health system. It has been part of presentations to the Commissioning Academy, the Cabinet Office, regional and national conferences and at the global mental health summit in 2018.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families that set out the proposed procurement strategy for key services that form part of Minding the Gap (MTG) an innovative approach to mental health services for young people aged 16-24. The strategy also included Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) systemic integrative therapy (a progressive, intensive form of family-based psychotherapy for children and their families).

The following information was provided in response to questions from the committee:

·       The comments from members that future updates on this service should include more detailed information on the engagement and involvement of young people in the development of the service, were noted. It was confirmed for the committee that the HIVE had been co-produced with young people, who had been part of its continued development. The service included a range of activities with constant engagement with service users

·       There had been 4,000 visits to the HIVE by 2,500 young people. With 125 young people having one to one meetings at any one time. The Brandon Centre had seen 270 young people

·       The Brandon Centre was a well known service and was publicised to potential users of the service by GPs and schools referrals

·       The services in place for 18 - 25 year olds included one to one services to meet specific needs that included support to unaccompanied asylum seeking young people

·       The services were open access, where no one was turned away. There were no waiting lists but that was not the same as saying that all needs were being met. The level of support would be kept under review for the lifetime of the service contract 

·       There were a range of complex needs being supported, with a high case load of young people who were self-harming and or suicidal

·       Additional resources had been made available in response to the Covid 19 Pandemic because of the significant issues being experienced by young people. This included Minding the Gap and CAMHS support being made available in schools  

·       There were many opportunities to hear from young people about their experiences of life and services in Camden. Young people had attended and presented reports to this Committee and there would be opportunities for this going forward

·       There would be a detailed report on children’s health to the committee as part of the work programme in March

·       This procurement was part of an open bids process for a new contract and the existing provider was able to bid. Officers did not know what the cost of the procurement process was, but there was a balance of duty to ensure that the service provided best value in meeting the needs of a vulnerable population. The specific skills required of the service provider were set out in the selection criteria. In market testing there had not been  any interest from the private sector.     

More detailed data on outcomes, that had not been included in the report, would be circulated to the committee. 

Action By:  Executive Director Supporting People

RESOLVED

THAT the report be noted

To Note: All

Action By:  Executive Director Supporting People