Supporting mental health in schools across South West London
Children and young people across South West London are benefitting from the work of our Trust’s Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). These dedicated teams provide early help for pupils experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood or behavioural difficulties, making sure support is available at the earliest opportunity.
Part of a national NHS programme, our MHSTs work hand in hand with schools, families and local partners to promote positive mental health and make sure young people get the right help at the right time.
Each team includes around eight skilled mental health professionals, led by a Clinical Psychologist and supported by clinicians such as family, art or drama therapists, alongside four Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). Together, they offer a wide range of support, from one-to-one sessions and parent training to staff workshops and whole-school wellbeing activities.
Dr Annika Clark, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead for our Mental Health Support Teams in Schools, said:
“Together with our partners, we’re really proud to be one of the first areas in the country to provide almost complete coverage across local schools. This means that more children and young people than ever before can access the right support when they need it most.”
Our teams take a Whole School Approach to mental health, working with staff and pupils to create environments where wellbeing is part of everyday school life.
“Each team supports around 15 primary and secondary schools,” Dr Clark explained. “Our Education Mental Health Practitioners provide guided self-help and practical support for young people experiencing anxiety or low mood. In primary schools, they also work closely with parents to help them support their children with anxiety or behavioural challenges.”
By working in partnership with schools and families, our Trust’s Mental Health Support Teams are helping to ensure that emotional wellbeing is nurtured from the very start, building stronger, more resilient school communities.
A recent parent shared how the service made a difference to their family after accessing support through the Merton Education Wellbeing Service:
“I am delighted to say the service exceeded my expectations. I saw changes within the first few weeks of the course and by the end of it my son had reached all the goals that we set out.”
The parent explained that their child had developed confidence and new coping skills, helping him overcome anxiety and enjoy activities outside of school:
“He developed a better understanding of anxiety and his emotions… This has made him much more confident in himself, and he was even able to start a new club outside of school. Overall, I feel we have achieved fantastic results.”
Stories like this show the real impact of early, tailored support. By empowering both children and parents, our Education Wellbeing Services are helping young people across South West London to thrive, building confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing for life.
