In Oldham, a dedicated specialist service is available for children and young people grappling with mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges. This vital support extends to individuals up to their 18th birthday, recognising the unique developmental stages and needs of this age group. Crucially, the service also offers comprehensive support to the families and carers of these young people, acknowledging the profound impact mental health difficulties can have on the entire family unit.
For immediate assistance, please call our Helpline: 0161 770 8332.
For general enquiries, please contact our Office: 0161 716 2020.
The scope of support provided by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is broad, addressing a wide array of complex psychological difficulties. This includes, but is not limited to, prevalent issues such as anxiety and depression, which can significantly affect a young person's daily life and future prospects. Furthermore, the service is equipped to support more severe conditions like psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing expert intervention and long-term care pathways. Self-harm, a critical area of concern, is also addressed with sensitivity and professional guidance. In addition, neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism are within the service's remit, ensuring holistic support for young people with diverse needs.
To ensure that the community can easily access these essential services, a streamlined single point of access has been established. All referrals are now channelled through the Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This centralised system aims to simplify the referral process and ensure that young people receive the right support at the right time. While direct referrals to CAMHS are generally no longer possible, urgent cases requiring immediate attention can still be referred via Accident and Emergency departments and paediatric wards, highlighting a crucial safety net for those in crisis.
The referral pathways are inclusive, allowing various individuals and professionals to initiate support for a young person. This includes self-referral by the young person themselves, empowering them to seek help proactively. Parents and carers are also encouraged to refer, acting as key advocates for their children's wellbeing. Beyond family and personal connections, a wide range of professionals can make referrals, encompassing all health professionals, social care professionals who work closely with vulnerable children, and education professionals like teachers and school counsellors, who are often on the front lines of observing mental health difficulties in young people. Essentially, anyone who works with or comes into contact with a young person and identifies a need for mental health support is now able to initiate a referral.
