Children's mental health: the action we're taking

We've made sure local bodies are aware of the issue, the report has been seen by a government minister and we're trying to get a local project established to better support children.

• We’ve sent our report to key local bodies from the local NHS and the council. We have received responses from SW London NHS, the local mental health trust and from Sutton Council.
• We’ve presented the report’s findings to staff from GPs’ surgeries, community groups and school nurses.
• We organised two meetings with parents and carers.
• We sent the report to Healthwatch England, our national body. They shared it with Andrea Leadsom MP, the minister responsible for children’s health.
• We met with staff from Merton’s social prescribing for children pilot project. “Social prescribing” helps people to get in touch with social and community activities – social and cultural activities and exercise can help children with mild mental health issues. We’re hoping to support the establishment of a similar project in Sutton.