Who are we? How do we help?

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties 

NELFT works in partnership with HCRG Care Group to deliver this service. 

  • The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people between the ages of 0-18.

  • Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance via the SPA - Single Point of Access.

  • SET CAMHS is based on the Thrive Framework, which is needs-led, outcomes-focused and works in partnership with young people and families through shared decision-making to be accessible, it uses common language, hopes to reduce stigma and be continue to remain proactive in helping communities to support mental health and wellbeing. 

Single Point of Access (SPA)

The Single Point of Access (SPA) is a team of clinicians and administrators who process all new referrals into SET CAMHS. All information is screened, triaged and reviewed by the SPA team mental health practitioners.  

Referrals can be made through tthe referral drop down on this page (SET CAMHS Homepage) or by emailing SET-CAMHS.referrals@nelft.nhs.uk.  

We also accept posted referrals and phone calls Monday to Friday 9AM - 5PM on 0800 953 0222 Option 2.

In the first instance SET CAMHS are looking to promote the use of early intervention services, which may include psychoeducation, talking therapies, mentoring or support as recommended within the National Institute of Clinical Excellence Guidelines.

There are a variety of local resources available external to SET CAMHS which provide a range of supportive interventions which may be recommended following triage. This support includes digital and online resources for example websites and Apps. These are freely available and maybe accessed via the NELFT SET- CAMHS web resource at: https://mindfresh.nelft.nhs.uk/ or our 'How can I help myself' resources list. 

We have a number of service locations as well as some specialist services, please see the links below for our area hub information, how to get there, as well as some service specific resources. 

Hubs:

Specialist teams:

How do these services help?

How do these services help?

Everyone goes through ups and downs, but sometimes feelings or behaviours can start to get in the way of day-to-day living. When this happens, it might be time to seek some help. 

We can support people with a range of mental health difficulties faced by young people, which can include: 

  • Low mood
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessional thoughts
  • Sleep problems
  • Body image and eating difficulties
  • Behavioural and emotional difficulties
  • Trauma and loss
  • Parenting and family difficulties 

At times a young person may present with several difficulties, and in this instance we will initially be focusing on the most predominant need which needs addressing.   

If we feel SET CAMHS is not right to help your particular need at this time, then we can put you in contact with a number of different organisations who might be more appropriate. Those are organisations we work closely with and we refer to this as 'Signposting'.

What the service can do

SET CAMHS offer a range of both individual and group talking therapies such as:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioural therapy)
  • Trauma focused therapies
  • Play based therapies
  • Art and creative therapies
  • Psycho-dynamic therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Medication 

We also have support for all localities and teams in relation to young people with neuro diversity, and we are able to offer support whilst they are utilising support from SET CAMHS.