Groups

Our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) group programme forms part of the Whole School Approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The groups are designed to provide early intervention support, helping pupils develop practical skills, improve emotional wellbeing, and build resilience in a safe and supportive environment.

Groups are delivered by experienced MHST clinicians using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, and are available to students attending MHST-supported schools. Group interventions provide opportunities for young people to learn alongside peers, develop coping strategies, and gain confidence when managing common emotional wellbeing difficulties.

Groups are typically delivered where there are sufficient participants to create a positive and effective group experience. To ensure sessions remain viable and make the best use of available resources, groups will normally only run when minimum attendance numbers are met. On occasion, we reserve the right to amend group dates, times, or delivery arrangements in response to demand, capacity, or operational requirements. Schools and participants will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Groups and delivery

Our groups are delivered either face-to-face within schools or virtually via Microsoft Teams, depending on the programme and its intended outcomes.

Sessions are facilitated by trained MHST practitioners and combine psychoeducation, practical activities, discussion, and skills development. Some groups include home practice activities between sessions to help participants apply what they have learned in everyday situations.

Schools accessing face-to-face groups will be required to provide:

• A private room that maintains confidentiality
• A room that is not used for discipline or isolation
• A member of school staff to support group management
• Appropriate IT equipment and resources where required

Virtual groups require access to a suitable device and internet connection that supports Microsoft Teams.

Workshop dates

Group and workshop dates are scheduled throughout the academic year and are released termly.

Available dates will be shared directly with participating schools through their MHST Link Worker and Mental Health Lead. Schools interested in a particular group or workshop should discuss availability with their Link Worker to identify suitable cohorts and delivery periods.

Please note that some programmes may have limited capacity and places will be allocated based on referral information and identified need.

What to expect

All MHST groups aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where young people can safely explore and develop strategies to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Participants can expect:

• Interactive sessions led by skilled MHST practitioners
• Practical strategies that can be used both at school and at home
• Opportunities to learn alongside peers with similar experiences
• A structured programme designed around evidence-based approaches
• Between-session activities to help reinforce learning where appropriate
• Ongoing support and guidance throughout the programme

Our facilitators aim to deliver sessions in a friendly, engaging, and accessible way, ensuring all participants feel supported to take part.

How to book

Access to MHST group programmes requires an open referral to the service.

To discuss a group intervention for a young person or cohort, please:

1. Speak with your school's Mental Health Lead.
2. Contact your MHST Link Worker.
3. Submit a referral through the CAMHS self-referral pathway where appropriate.
4. Indicate the preferred group and provide relevant information regarding the young person's needs.

Parents, carers, schools, and young people may also self-refer through the CAMHS referral pathway. Further guidance can be provided by your MHST Link Worker.