You Are Not Alone

Due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the increased demand on services, Kent Reconnect Programme has identified the need to provide support for children and young people, to develop their resilience and emotional wellbeing to minimise the risk of developing mental health conditions which may prevent them from engaging with education, work, family and friends and achieving their potential. The children and young people experiencing suicidal ideation and self- harm often do not meet threshold for specialised interventions offered through CAMHS and NELFT. Lack of information about services available to children demonstrating suicidal ideation is also a key factor in cases, which can lead to a crisis situation. Kent County Council are looking to commission organisation(s) to provide a choice of wellbeing and emotional resilience courses and one to one support, tailored to the needs of the children and parents in Kent. The programme should employ Cognitive Behaviour Coaching to explore mental health issues including eating disorders, sleep hygiene, body image, self-harm and suicidal idealisation, and isolation. The programme should provide tailored support to help build resilience, and provide sustainable solutions, so that children and young people are better equipped to meet the demands and challenges of life. We are expecting the project to cover: - Confidence and self-esteem including positive body image - Self-respect and respecting others - Coping with change or transition - How to initiate and sustain satisfying personal relationships - Coping strategies to improve relaxation and reduce stress or anger - Understanding stress, depression and anger and recognising personal 'triggers' - Exploring options such as personal support networks and where to find help in the wider community - Developing coping strategies to maintain wellbeing and to recover from ill mental health - Emotional Literacy principles Successful organisation(s) will deliver two intervention models 1) A small group course which will run for six weeks of 1-hour sessions to help children and young people to manage their mental health issues and build greater emotional resilience and wellbeing. This will be followed up with a 1-2-1 session to develop an individualised plan to address any remaining needs that may require ongoing support. 2) 1-2-1 personalised (up to) hour-long sessions, for six - eight weeks. These will be follow up focused 121 session to develop an individualised moving on plan and to address any remaining needs that may require ongoing support.