Category Archives: Community Services

Episode 12 – Lockdown, Mental Health and Education

June 15, 2020CAMHS, Community Services, UncategorizedCAMHS, COVID, Education, ELFT, Lockdown, Luton and BedfordMark Taylor

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In this episode, we’re talking about mental health, lockdown and how to manage at this time. Lockdown has affected us all and as such, everyone’s daily life has been significantly affected. Our normal daily routines changed overnight and many of the things we took for granted are things we’re currently doing without. We’ve seen lots in the media about how and when we can expect things to go back to normal, but the messages can feel vague and unclear and lead to lots of debate from those with and without ‘professional opinions’… and no-one can predict what the ‘new normal’ will look like anyway. A decision that has brought substantial change for many is the suspension of education.

At a time where many teenagers were gearing up for exams and getting ready for university.. suddenly.. their education looks uncertain. For younger children who are maybe too young to fully understand what’s happening, this might be a confusing time, being at home with their family and away from their friends.. but for others, it might be a time of creativity and finding things to do with their newfound boredom. But for many, their education hasn’t stopped just because they’re not at school. This temporary ‘new normal’ still has its expectations and demands.. with changes such as work being sent home, video link classes, increased use of on-line learning and being taught by their parents. But for many, in the new ‘classroom environment’ at home, there can be new challenges.

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a look at some of the challenges faced by those in secondary school.. and as such I’m very pleased to welcome today’s guests.. I’d like to welcome: Nikki Scott – service user participation lead for Bedford and Luton CAMHS Lawrence Chung – who is currently on the NHS Graduate Scheme and is working for CAMHS as an Operational Lead whilst studying for his master’s degree. We’re also joined by three of our service users, Wiktoria, Kirri and Lucy who share their views, thoughts and tips.

Come listen..

Episode 11 – Bedford CAMHS service update during lockdown

May 23, 2020Community ServicesCAMHS, COVID, Crisis line, ELFT, Luton and Bedford, self referralMark Taylor

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Now.. as we’re all aware, we’re living in strange times due to the COVID pandemic and this has brought some change to the services that are currently offered by Bedford CAMHS. In this episode, Nikki and I are talking to Ross Truscott, General Manager for Bedford CAMHS about the changes that have been made to make sure that CAMHS can continue to deliver the service to those young people and families that are under their care.

We also have the opportunity to hear about new service developments including the self referral process and the new 24 hour Crisis line that is now available for anyone, those that are already under the care of the service and for those that feel they may need CAMHS support.

Episode 10 – Let’s talk therapy dogs..

March 10, 2020Animal assisted therapy, CAMHS, CBT, Community ServicesCAMHS, ELFT, recovery, Specialist treatmentMark Taylor

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In this episode, we’ll introduce you to Dr Charlotte Bolt and her co-therapist, Ruby (the dog!). this is a great opportunity to find out how animals can enhance treatment for some that struggle to manage with face to face therapy. Come listen as Dr Bolt takes us through how she and Ruby have developed the use of animals in treatment.

As a note, not all types of treatment mentioned in this episode are therapeutically appropriate in all cases and may not be available in your area.

Episode 9 – Let’s Talk about CBT..

February 25, 2020CBT, Community ServicesCAMHS, ELFT, hope, Luton and Bedford, Service user, Specialist treatmentMark Taylor

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Today we talk about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, more commonly known as CBT. In this episode we are so grateful to Gemma Douthwaite and Dr Charlotte Bolt who share their insights and demystify the inner workings of this treatment model. As always, we also have our service users, this week we have Lucy and Jay who also share their own knowledge from a service user perspective. We also get to hear a little about Ruby, our therapy dog – but that’s a story for next time! Just to say that in our conversation we discuss some of the options that we have used in our service. It may be the case that some of the options we have discussed may not be available in all areas, or indeed be appropriate in all treatment cases.

For more information on CBT, you can go to the NHS webpage here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/

Episode 8 (Part 2) – Uni Life and Mental Health

February 10, 2020CAMHS, Community Services, TrustCAMHS, creativity, Service user, Specialist treatment, support services, UniversityMark Taylor

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Welcome back to part 2 of Uni Life and Mental Health, come join us again as Mia, Roshni, Sam and Ocean continue to share their thoughts and insights about their first few months at University and about how they have managed everything from their mental health to relationships. They also give excellent advice on what to expect, what you can’t predict and how to access the right support for you. Listen in on their discussion about their different experiences, different needs and how they met them. Mia, Roshni, Sam and Ocean also share their thoughts on common myths and the realities of life at Uni for someone with a mental health issue. You can also learn about where to get the best Pizza in Nottingham (useful for some no doubt!)

Episode 7 (Part 2) – How the Bedford Borough Early Help Team support ‘The Forgotten Population’

January 13, 2020CAMHS, Community ServicesCAMHS, ELFT, local offer, SENDMark Taylor

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Let’s rejoin the conversation and continue to hear about the SWITCH Program where Dawn Bere, Post 16 Personal Adviser & Enhanced Evidence-Based Practitioner and Christopher Allan – Early Help Professional at Bedford Borough talk with two of their service users, Georgia and Stephen about ‘The Forgotten Population’ – young people who are not in education, employment or training (or NEET for short). Georgia and Stephen give very frank accounts of how they were supported by Dawn and Christopher’s team within the SWITCH project – a project designed to provide targeted support to NEET young people.

The risks associated with being a NEET young person is significant in terms of developing mental health difficulties and falling by the wayside in society with increased risk of getting into crime, drugs and gang violence. Come listen to the work that is happening in Bedford.

Episode 7 (Part 1) – How the Bedford Borough Early Help Team support ‘The Forgotten Population’

January 6, 2020CAMHS, Community ServicesCAMHS, ELFT, local offer, Service userMark Taylor

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Come listen to Dawn Bere, Post 16 Personal Adviser & Enhanced Evidence-Based Practitioner and Christopher Allan – Early Help Professional at Bedford Borough talk with two of their service users, Georgia and Stephen about ‘The Forgotten Population’ – young people who are not in education, employment or training (or NEET for short). Georgia and Stephen give very frank accounts of how they were supported by Dawn and Christopher’s team within the SWITCH project – a project designed to provide targeted support to NEET young people.

Episode 6 – What’s on offer in Bedford Borough for SEND children?

November 18, 2019CAMHS, Community Services, Special educational needsBedford Borough, CAMHS, ELFT, local offer, SEND, support servicesMark Taylor

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Navigating local support and services for children with special educational needs can be cumbersome and stressful. Come listen and learn all about the Bedford Borough Local Offer Service that works tirelessly to bring information about what’s out there into one easy to access website. We discuss how to access the services and also have first-hand feedback from some of our service users about how having a ‘one-stop-shop’ has improved their own well being and that of their family. To take a look at the Bedford Borough Local Offer website, just click the link or cut and paste if you’d prefer. If you are a local service that wants to be included on the local offer website, you can also click the link below and make contact. The more services that make themselves known, the richer the mix of support is available to SEND children.

https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/

CAMHS Talk

A series of interviews and discussions brought to you jointly by the Luton and Bedfordshire Service User Participation Group and the Luton and Bedford CAMHS Team. Both are part of the East London NHS Foundation Trust.