| From 1 April 2026, our local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will move to a new service model across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
The model was shaped by extensive feedback from families, young people and professionals during the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin-led engagement in 2025 and will be delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), replacing the current BeeU model.
The new model responds to the changing local needs of children and young people aged 0-25 experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. It prioritises easier access, earlier support and more joined-up care to ensure the right help is available at the right time. It also seeks to reduce inequalities in access, outcomes and experience, especially for vulnerable groups, including children in care and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
What stays the same
If a child or young person already receives support from BeeU, their care continues. They do not need to opt in or be re-referred.
What is changing
· One front door for information and referrals, guiding people to the right support
· Earlier help and support while waiting
· Joined‑up care so families don’t repeat their story
· Support from 0–25, with planned moves into adult services
· Fair access and targeted support for vulnerable groups
· An improved digital offer that provides greater choice to children, young people and families in how to access the support they need
· An enhanced pathway to more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable children will be developed later this year in partnership with Local Authorities as part of the ongoing transformation of the service
Autism and ADHD (Neurodevelopmental pathway)
The service will continue to improve its offer of assessment and treatment where required for children and young people who have needs relates to Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ensuring ongoing risks are managed even if therapy is hard to engage with. Crisis pathways will remain available if someone is at immediate risk.
Eating difficulties and eating disorders
Greater community-based support will be available for children and young people experiencing eating difficulties and disorders, with early help, new Day Hospital and Intensive Support at home models of care and medical monitoring in place to keep young service users safe.
Support in Schools
Mental Health Support Teams will continue to expand across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin’s schools, offering early intervention for children and young people (aged 5-16/18) in educational settings, focusing on mild to moderate mental health issues, and supporting school staff and parents/ carers. The service will seek to expand to all schools in the county by 2030.
Transitions and follow-up
Young people will be supported in their move to adult mental health services if this is required. Planning for this starts around age 16 and a transition plan will be agreed with the young person, with care and support able to restart quickly and easily if required. Where needed, support can be offered to young people up to age 25.
Supporting local children, young people and families to thrive
The new model will incorporate I-THRIVE, a national needs-led and person-centred framework designed to transform mental health services for children and young people aged 0-25, and their families, with a focus on shared decision-making and empowerment. Support will be targeted in the following ways:
Getting advice – including self-help resources for children, young people and families (online and in-person), 24/7 telephone and online advice and support for children, young people and families, and dedicated mental health support based in local communities, including social prescribing for children and young people.
Getting help – offering tailored support for children, young people and families who may be more vulnerable, a range of group and one-to-one support in community settings, and regular wellbeing check-ins.
Getting more help – including specialist assessment and support for children and young people who have had difficult or frightening experiences in childhood and relationship-based trauma, a range of specialist therapies (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy), and mental health practitioners working within Family Connect/ COMPASS, Family Safeguarding and Children in Care.
Getting priority support – including 24/7 urgent mental health support, ongoing intensive support when mental health needs are severe and continuous, and follow-up assessment following a crisis.
How to get help (from 1 April 2026)
· Single front door: accessible via telephone, email and online – NB: these are in the process of being finalised and will be shared in a further update prior to launch
· Urgent advice: NHS 111, select the mental health option
· Emergency/ immediate danger: 999
Until 1 April 2026, please continue to contact the existing BeeU service on 0300 124 0093.
Three-year transformation – putting co-production at the centre
The new service model will continue to evolve over the next three years. Co-production will be at the centre of this transformation, with opportunities for children, young people, families and professionals to get involved. MPFT will also work closely with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, local authorities, schools and VCSE partners to ensure the new service continues to reflect local priorities and lived experiences of families in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
What we are asking of you
· Update local websites and newsletters with the new link on 1 April
· Signpost families to FAQs and a family-friendly summary of the changes taking place available via New Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (mpft.nhs.uk)
· Send queries to involvement@mpft.nhs.uk
We look forward to updating you further prior to the launch of the new service. In the meantime, should you wish to get involved please email involvement@mpft.nhs.uk |