NHS Sussex highlights school mental health and autism support during Children's Mental Health Week

NHS Sussex reports that Mental Health Support Teams now operate in 309 Sussex schools and that an Autism in Schools project supports more than 50 settings, with local examples showing work on self-advocacy and inclusion.

NHS Sussex is marking Children's Mental Health Week by describing school-based programmes that aim to support pupils' mental health and autistic children. The NHS says these initiatives combine work with local authorities, schools and families to provide help inside school settings. Key facts: - Children and young people in 309 Sussex schools can access a local Mental Health Support Team (MHST). - Twenty NHS-led MHSTs provide early support for mild to moderate difficulties such as anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. - The Autism in Schools project, first piloted in West Sussex, has expanded to support more than 50 schools, nurseries, preschools and colleges. - The 'My Self' pupil programme, developed by CLASS with input from the East Sussex Parent Carer Forum, brought together autistic pupils and those on the diagnostic pathway for sessions on strengths and identity. - Staff, parents and pupils at Ocklynge Junior School described activities that encouraged self-advocacy and helped develop greater understanding of neurodiversity. Summary: NHS Sussex presents these programmes as providing early help in familiar school environments and as fostering a culture of belonging and acceptance for neurodiverse pupils. They are reported as helping thousands of children build resilience, confidence and coping skills. Undetermined at this time.