Southwark Council welcomes new report from the Children’s Commissioner into children’s mental health services

31 January 2020

Southwark Council has welcomed a new report from the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield, “The State of Children’s Mental Health Services”, which recognises Southwark’s ambitions to ensure 100 per cent of Southwark children receive the mental health support they need.

The report highlights Southwark as one of just four areas nationally where more than 90 per cent of young people receive the care they are referred for. But Southwark has a much more ambitious target of ensuring that 100 per cent of its young people receive the care they need, not just those who receive a referral.

In May 2020 the council will open a new drop-in centre in Peckham for any young person who wants to talk about their mental health, or seek support. This new, open access centre is aimed at young people and available at the point of need. The service will function from a building that any young person would feel comfortable walking in to, without an appointment, and receive support. The service is currently being co-designed with families and young people to create an environment with them in mind.

At the second meeting of the council’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Commission this week, the panel took evidence from young people and officers who have been involved in turning the concept into a reality, and making sure the building will be a warm and welcoming place for young people to visit.

Comments from the young people involved in the development of the centre included:

• “We all came together to start this idea, we are the inspiration. It’s great to know we basically built this to help people."
• “We felt that you really want to get involved and have our opinions.”
• “You actually cared about what we thought, most places are built on what people think young people want. With this we actually had a voice and were listened to.”

Cllr Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, schools and adult care, said: “I’m delighted that Anne Longfield, who attended our first meeting of the Commission, has recognised the excellent work taking place in Southwark to support our young people. But we know that we need to go much further if all our young people are to feel truly supported to enjoy good mental health.

"The new centre in Peckham, which has been designed with young people, will help us take a big step towards our 100 per cent ambition, but it is not the only solution. We will continue to work with our partners in health, the voluntary sector and with our schools, until every young person in Southwark has the support they need and deserve.”

To help deliver and run the new centre, Southwark Council can announce that it has commissioned Groundwork London as its delivery partner.

Groundwork London already runs a number of programmes for young people in Southwark, with a commitment to support individuals and communities, to help them transform their lives and the places they live.

Graham Parry, Director of Youth, Employment and Skills, Groundwork London, said: “Groundwork has been working in Southwark for over 15 years and we are proud to be offered the opportunity to deliver this new service designed with and for young people. We believe this innovative approach to personal wellbeing and development will create lasting positive footsteps in the lives of Southwark's young people.”

Page last updated: 31 January 2020