Transforming Care

Transforming Care is a national programme. It aims to make improvements in care and support for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism who;

• have concerns about their emotional wellbeing
• have concerns about their mental health
• behave in ways that make it hard for their family to manage

The work aims to make sure:

• there are better services in the community, so fewer people need to go to hospital
• people do not stay in hospitals longer than needed
• people get good quality care and support in hospital and in the community

It is about care that is local and meets the person's needs. It helps avoid admission to a specialist Mental Health hospital unless this is in the best interest of the young person or adult.

What is available for me and my family and how do I access it?

There are support services in your local community for children and adults currently in hospital or at risk of going into a Mental Health hospital because of mental health problems, learning disabilities, or challenging behaviour.

If you or someone you know has a learning disability and/or Autism and you are worried about mental health and/or behaviour, the range of support available includes:

• you could speak to your school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) or teacher about your concerns and difficulties. They may be able to offer support and advice
• you could ask health service professionals such as your GP. If you are working with other professionals such as a Paediatrician, Health Visitor, Speech and Language Therapist or Nurse, you can speak to them
• if you are known to Social Care and have a social worker, they may be able to provide some support and guidance
• if you are known to Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS), you should make contact to discuss your concerns. If you are not known to SET CAMHS you can make your own referral. The process/contact points are included on the `more information` page.