A CRISIS service to provide quick support to children and young people suffering a mental health or emotional crisis has been launched in Teesside.

The child, adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) crisis and liaison service was commissioned by South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group following the success of a similar service in Durham and Darlington.

The nurse-led service operated by staff from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust is based at the Rosewood Centre at West Lane Hospital, Middlesbrough, and also works across several other sites including the area’s acute hospitals.

John Barnard, Tees CAMHS crisis and liaison project manager said “The aim of the service is to assess and treat children and young people with mental ill health or learning disability crisis at the earliest possible point to ensure they receive the care and support they need promptly.

“The Durham and Darlington project has proved very successful and has seen a reduction in CAMHS mental health assessment waiting times, as well as a reduction in overnight admissions and accident and emergency attendances.”

Dr Angel Carrasco, mental health clinical lead from NHS South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group said: "This crisis and liaison service is an important step forward in improving mental health services in Teesside.”

In addition to providing the 24 hour assessment service the CAMHS crisis and liaison team will also work closely with partner agencies and families and carers to promote positive mental health in children and young people and offer advice and support.