We are therefore pleased to see NHS England will be providing funding for a Mental Health Champion in every provider that admits children by autumn this year.
We are aware that funding for these roles is beginning to reach local systems to free up one PA (professional activity) a week for these roles. If you work in a provider that admits children and young people, please keep an eye out for this role being advertised through your typical local channels in the coming months.
These paediatric Mental Health Champions should be a senior clinician who will work to advocate for children's mental health, facilitate greater join-up between physical and mental health teams, and work strategically in their department and Trust.
The core functions will be to:
- Build confidence and knowledge of the wider paediatric team and department
- Encourage uptake of training
- Facilitate joint working– promoting parity of esteem for mental health, establishing closer links with mental health teams, and developing appropriate pathways
- Provide leadership and advocate for children and young people’s mental health within paediatric departments and wider ICB structures.
We are aware of paediatricians who are currently in these roles and are having a significant impact. RCPCH are keen to share emerging learning and to support paediatricians interested these roles. RCPCH Officer for Mental Health, Dr Karen Street, will be holding an informal drop-in session for anyone who wants to know more on Wednesday, 12 July from 13:00 - 13:45, and you can sign up via Eventbrite. For more information, please also see the RCPCH role development document below.
Do keep an eye out for these roles being advertised through local channels over the coming weeks and raise your interest with your trust.
RCPCH Officer for Mental Health, Dr Karen Street commented:
Against a background of growing mental health need and strong links between physical and mental ill health for children and young people, we believe these roles have huge potential to transform and join-up care for children. The Mental Health Champion role is a great opportunity for paediatricians on the ground to effect change.