Every school in West Cumbria is set to have access to dedicated NHS mental health support from November, following the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams across North and West Cumbria.

Three existing Mental Health Support Teams are already supporting 31 schools across the former Copeland and Allerdale areas.

Josh MacAlister MP has received confirmation from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) that two additional Mental Health Support Teams have been secured for Cumbria.

Once they become operational later this year, a further 38 schools across Copeland and Allerdale – including every school in West Cumbria – will be covered by the service, giving children and young people faster access to early mental health support in the place where they spend most of their time.

Mental Health Support Teams work alongside schools, pupils and families to provide early intervention for children experiencing emerging mental health difficulties.

They also help schools develop a whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and strengthen links with specialist NHS mental health services so children receive the right support at the right time.

Evidence shows the programme is already making a real difference, with more than nine in ten schools saying the teams have improved children’s mental health and wellbeing, while seven in ten report improvements in attendance following support.

Josh MacAlister MP said: “Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy, happy and able to fulfil their potential.

“But we also know this is an increasingly challenging time to be growing up, with many young people facing pressures that previous generations simply didn’t experience.

“That’s why I’m delighted that every school in West Cumbria is now set to benefit from dedicated NHS Mental Health Support Teams. Getting help early, before problems become crises, can make a huge difference to a young person’s life.

“Good mental health is fundamental to learning. Children who feel supported are more likely to attend school, build positive relationships and achieve their potential.

“As someone who has spent my career working to improve children’s lives, I know that investing in early support is one of the best investments we can make.

“We’ve already seen major progress locally through new Family Hubs, free breakfast clubs, expanded childcare and action to make the online world safer for children.

“Extending mental health support to every school is another important step in breaking down the barriers that stop too many children from getting the best start in life.”

The expansion forms part of a wider programme to improve children’s mental health through earlier intervention, helping schools identify issues sooner and reducing the need for more intensive specialist services later.