Provision of a Digital Mental Health Support Service for Young People in Berkshire West to Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board

Descriptions

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & West Berkshire (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB) seeks to commission a Digital Mental Health Support Service for Young People in Berkshire West. The service is for young people who live or go to school in Berkshire West aged 11-17 years (up to the 18th birthday). The service will adopt a no wrong door policy. Any young person under the age of 11 years (not yet had their 11th birthday) or aged 18 years and over will be signposted to more appropriate services. Children whose needs are deemed too complex for direct work with the Digital Service criteria will be signposted to a more appropriate service. The Digital Service will work with the CYP/Family/Carer to find the most suitable service, likely to be CAMHS. The service will provide secure and moderated digital tools created in collaboration with young people and which are appropriately integrated with family, educational and clinical intervention. The tools will consist of, as a minimum, a secure, moderated website, an App (with iOS and Android functionality) and a range of moderated forums to offer young people an appropriate first point of entry including: - chat function for a young person to 'speak' to someone, including supportive peers; - a messaging function for young people to contact the service; - live discussion groups - run by professionals and with all comments moderated, to enable groups of young people to interact with each other in a safe environment; - step-up options which will support young people experiencing, or at risk of deteriorating emotional health and wellbeing with the ability to connect with a qualified clinician via digital option to prevent levels of distress rising; - evidence-based practice including brief psychological interventions carried out by trained professionals; - Activities on the site for young people to download; - A social media presence. The digital tools need to provide comprehensive and safe digital solution and tools that are young person-friendly which empower young people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing. The online services must be up and running by the start of the contract on 1st July 2023.