ARE children in Shropshire getting the mental health support they need?

That is one of the questions posed by Healthwatch Shropshire, which has asked children, parents, carers and the professionals who support them to get in touch.

Rachael Allen, Healthwatch Shropshire chief officer, said: “We hear a lot in the national press about the mental health problems facing children in today’s society and the services children can access.

"We really want to hear about the experiences people have of local services."

Healthwatch Shropshire's Hot Topic is looking at the recently- launched 0 – 25 Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service in the county.

This service includes two online services, Kooth and Helios, where people can access self-help, peer support, counselling and treatment. Support is offered through the BEAM drop in centres along with face to face services from a multi-disciplinary Young People and Families Mental Health Service.

Ms Allen added: "We gather these experiences and feed them back anonymously to those organisations who provide and pay for the services.

"In this way user experience can help shape the development of services so that they truly meet the needs of the young people in Shropshire.”

Healthwatch Shropshire can be contacted on 01743 237 884, at enquiries@healthwatchshropshire.co.uk or at www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk.