Young people in Reading will have more access to mental health support, thanks to a ‘trailblazing’ project from Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC).
The not-for-profit is expanding the remit of its Mental Health Support Team (MHST) to all 55 state-funded schools in the borough.
“The MHST has been providing incredible support to our children and young people for years now, so we are delighted with the expansion of this service,” said Di Smith, Board Chair of BFfC. “Access to a systemic approach to improving mental health is incredibly important to us all and the MHST supports schools in promoting their ‘whole school approach’ for mental health, providing advice and signposting.”
An initial trial of 16 schools launched in west Reading in January 2020, followed by a further 20 in south central Reading in 2022.
Since then, MHST has gone on to offer low-intensity interventions to support children, young people and their families who are experiencing emerging or mild to moderate mental health problems.
And now, the third MHST, developed in partnership with the Integrated Care Board, will form in September of this year before formally launching in September 2025 to support the remaining 19 state-funded schools in north and east Reading.
The teams complement existing mental health support already provided in schools and by existing professionals and services, such as school-based counsellors, educational psychologists, school nurses, primary mental health workers, school pastoral care teams, school nurses, voluntary sector organisations and CAMH services.
The MHST was recently shortlisted as ‘Medium Team of the Year’ at the LGC Awards 2024 and was rated good or above by almost 100% of its users in last year’s annual feedback.
“The team has consistently been recognised as a fantastic resource,” said Di. “I’m certain it will continue to improve the mental health of children and young people across Reading.”
Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company owned by but independent of Reading Borough Council. They were formed in December 2018 and deliver children’s services on behalf of RBC.
