Children and young people living in Tameside and Glossop who are struggling with their mental health can now access an 'improved' emotional and mental health community offer.

NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group say it is tailored to suit the needs of those aged 8-18 years and their families and is designed to increase open access to 'Getting Advice and Help'. 

It's based on the THRIVE Framework – supporting all to thrive – and will be provided by Tameside, Oldham and Glossop (TOG) Mind in partnership with 42nd Street and jointly funded by Tameside Council and NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). 

A drop-in session is being held on Thursday 16 December from 4pm to 8pm at 216-218 Katherine Street in Ashton, where young people, families and professionals can find out about the offer of a new walk-in consultation service, mindfulness and resilience groups, one-to-one coaching and one-to-one counselling for those struggling with their emotional and mental health. 

In 2022, there will be more wellbeing hubs opening, online support, parent groups and much more.   

Anyone needing their support can also get in touch by email: thehive@togmind.org or phone: 0161 330 9223.

Specialist mental health support from Tameside and Glossop CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) is still available for those who need additional help.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, Councillor Eleanor Wills, said: “This new offer will play a vital role in developing a mental wellbeing informed community to support equality, diversity and inclusion, helping to reduce stigma.

“It has been designed by children and young people who have had experience of accessing mental health support locally, helping us to improve access to mental health support for those who need help.

“It’s in addition to what is being made available in educational settings to deliver a range of early interventions and what young people want. The development of the community offer is just one of many priorities of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Plan around increasing access and focus on families.”

NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG Governing Body lead for Starting Well, Dr Christine Ahmed, said: “I am delighted that children and young people are getting mental health support closer to home. 

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

“If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person and feel that they are struggling with their mental health, don’t let them suffer alone.  Seek out the support on offer and get them the early help they need.”

For a list of mental health support and services, visit https://www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/mentalhealthsupport