Mental Health Support Teams
1-1 and Group Support for children in schools
About the Service
Our Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) provide early mental health support for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
Delivered across 80 schools in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, the service supports infant, primary, and secondary-aged pupils, as well as parents and carers. Support is provided by trained Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), Children Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs), Infant Mental Health Practitioner (IMHP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and an Assistant Psychologist, working closely with schools and families.
This service is part of a national NHS England and Department for Education programme, developed following the Green Paper on Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health, to improve access to mental health support in schools.
Who it's for
This service supports:
- Children and young people across infant, primary, and secondary ages
- Parents and carers supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing
- Families linked to participating schools in Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea
Support is available for young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health needs, including emotional, behavioural, and wellbeing challenges.
We provide support to schools listed below.
Location:
Specific schools in Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster
Service types:
Advice and support, Counselling and psychotherapy, School-based support
Referral types:
School referral, Self-referral
What to expect
Support is tailored to each age group and family’s needs. Depending on the service strand, support may include:
- One-to-one sessions with parents or young people
- Group work and workshops
- Psychoeducation and mental health assemblies
- Practical tools to build confidence, coping skills, and resilience
Sessions are delivered in schools, family hubs, at home, or online, depending on the child’s age and the type of support offered.
Support by age group
Infant age group (0–5 years)
We work one-to-one with families to support early emotional development and strengthen parent–child relationships.
Support is available:
- In family homes
- In primary schools (Westminster)
- At family hubs:
- Queen’s Park Children’s Centre
- Besborough Family Hub
- Portman Early Childhood Centre
- Online via Microsoft Teams
We support parents and carers with concerns such as:
- Overwhelm, frustration, and emotional regulation
- Behavioural difficulties and tantrums
- Routines, boundaries, and attachment
- Understanding what typical development for young children is
To refer: Email ihm@allkind.org.uk or call 07917 909708
We also accept referrals for younger siblings of children attending participating schools.
Primary age group
This service supports parents to help children manage distress and build resilience.
Evidence shows that working with parents and carers is highly effective in improving children’s wellbeing. Support is collaborative and practical.
Support includes:
- 6–8 weekly one-to-one sessions with parents
- Sessions lasting 20–50 minutes
- Delivered in school or online
We also offer:
- Parent support groups
- Psychoeducation workshops
- Mental health assemblies
To refer: Speak to your school’s designated mental health lead. Referrals are assessed individually.
Secondary age group
We support young people struggling with emotions such as:
- Anxiety, worry, and stress
- Low mood and fear
- Overwhelm and frustration
- Emotional dysregulation
Support includes:
- 6–8 one-to-one sessions
- Delivered within school
- Complemented by psychoeducational workshops and assemblies
To refer: Speak to the school mental health lead or the young person’s Head of Year. Referrals are assessed individually.
What people say about the service
These words capture what this service is all about: helping people feel seen, heard and less alone.
The impact is powerful
In the last 12 months
How it works
- A referral is made (usually through school)
- We review the referral and carry out a triage and assessment
- Support is agreed with the young person and/or family
- Sessions begin, with regular reviews along the way
- Our service has high engagement and completion rates, with strong outcomes across a diverse range of young people and families.
How to access support
Start your referral
- Check whether we work with your school (see school lists above)
- Speak to your school’s designated mental health lead
- For under 16s, referrals must be completed by a school lead or parent/carer, with the young person’s consent
- Young people aged 16+ may self-refer via school or our website
- Once we receive your referral, we’ll be in touch.
Need help or have questions?
Not sure where to start or have a question about referrals? Our friendly team will be happy to help.
More school services
This service sits alongside our Whole School Approach, offering mental health workshops for pupils, families, and staff.
We can also support with:
- Signposting and liaison advice
- Additional school-based mental health services
If you’re a teacher in a Westminster school, you can also self-refer to our NHS Talking Therapies service.