Preliminary Review of Greenwich Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Identifying areas for further investigation

Healthwatch Greenwich undertook a preliminary review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) after identifying recurring concerns from residents, young people, carers and professionals. The review found that Greenwich reflected many of the issues identified nationally, particularly around access to services, waiting times and transitions from children's to adult mental health services. The review highlighted the importance of providing equitable access, stronger coordination across services, and ensuring children continue to receive appropriate support throughout their care journey. 

Feedback from social workers, foster carers and looked-after children suggested that access to mental health support could be delayed, particularly when children were required to be in a "settled placement" before some direct therapeutic interventions could begin. Stakeholders also raised concerns about waiting times, difficulties engaging some young people in treatment, the suitability of available therapies, and challenges supporting children who had experienced trauma. Foster carers generally praised CAMHS staff when support was provided, but reported long waits, limited training opportunities and occasional difficulties maintaining continuity of care when children moved placements or boroughs.

Transition from CAMHS into adult mental health services emerged as a major concern. Professionals reported that thresholds for adult services were often higher, meaning some young people lost support at 18 despite ongoing needs. Many felt that support should extend beyond age 18 and suggested a "young adult" model covering people up to age 21 or 25. Young people themselves highlighted the importance of trust, continuity, privacy, flexibility and being listened to. They valued creative and therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, music and group work, but reported frustrations with assessments, clinical environments and limited involvement in decisions about their care.

Healthwatch concluded that further investigation was needed into three key areas: access to services, waiting times and transition to adult care. Recommendations included improving support for looked-after children, reviewing access for Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and other seldom-heard groups, strengthening support for foster carers, exploring more flexible treatment options, and improving planning and communication when young people move between services. The review was intended as the first phase of a wider programme of work to help shape future CAMHS commissioning and service development in Greenwich.