Schools Mental Health Service

The Schools Mental Health Service (SMHS) is a specialist team that works in partnership with schools, families, and other services to support children and young people aged 0 to 18 with mild to moderate mental health needs.

We support a wide range of needs, including:

• anxiety
• low mood
• friendship or behavioural difficulties

We take a whole-school approach, working alongside education staff to strengthen mental health support within school communities and ensure children and young people can access the right help at the right time.

What we offer

Our team provides:

• training and advice to school staff and other professionals to support children’s mental health
• support to help schools develop a proactive, whole-school approach to wellbeing
• consultation, advice and workshops for parents and carers
• group work and therapeutic interventions for children and young people
• support with identifying needs and accessing the most appropriate services, including signposting and joint working with other mental health services

Getting support

The service is accessed through your child’s school.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or wellbeing:

• speak to your child’s teacher, or
• contact the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at the school

They can discuss your concerns and, if appropriate, make a referral to the Schools Mental Health Service.

Urgent support

If you are worried about a child’s immediate mental health:

• call the Sussex Mental Health Line (24 hours): 0300 500 0101
• if a child is at immediate risk of harm and needs urgent medical attention, attend the A&E Department at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital