Minds Ahead, in collaboration with Penistone Grammar School, is proud to announce the successful funding and development of improvements to a mental health triage room at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Through fundraising and donations to The Children’s Hospital Charity, this project represents a significant step forward in supporting young people’s mental health and well-being in our community.
This is the assessment room for the Supportive Treatment and Recovery service (STAR) at Sheffield Children’s. The newly renovated triage room serves as a safe space for young individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jack Mooney, said: “When young people present to the Emergency Department in mental health crisis, we carry out an assessment and think with the young person and their parent/carers about how they can be safely discharged from hospital, usually with a plan to get further support down the line.”
Thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School, the environment has been transformed into a warm and nurturing space where young people can receive immediate assessment and support from a mental health nurse.
Jack continued: “These assessments usually last between 90 – 120 minutes, occasionally even longer than that, so having a relaxed, therapeutic and nicely decorated space to be in has massively improved the patient experience.”
Dean Johnstone, CEO of Minds Ahead said: “Our innovative partnership with Penistone Grammar School and the incredible support of our donors have enabled us to make a real difference in the lives of young people facing mental health challenges. We are immensely proud of the impact this project will have on the community.”
The development of the mental health triage room underscores the power of collaboration and community support in addressing critical issues such as mental health care. By working together, Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School have demonstrated their commitment to improving mental health outcomes for young individuals.
The improvement of the triage room has been carried out by Art+, the arts programme at The Children’s Hospital Charity. Art+ strive to improve the clinical environment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, to enhance the experience of the children who use it and aid in their care. Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School allowed the Art+ team to redevelop the triage room with children and young people’s needs in mind.
Head of Art+, Jade Richardson, said:
“We are so grateful for the support of Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School. Visiting EDE can be a stressful experience and it is really important that we consider the different needs children and young people may have when accessing the hospital at this entry point. Their funding has allowed us to make the space more comfortable and accessible for as many people as possible.”
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jack Mooney, reiterated Jade’s comments: “The Star team are really grateful to Penistone Grammar School and Minds Ahead for the support they have provided us in making our assessment room a much more welcoming environment for young people and their families.”
If you are under 18 years of age and need emotional support, advice and signposting, you can call a 24/7 phoneline – more information here – https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/camhs/
Principal at Penistone Grammar School, Paul Crook, said: “We are thrilled to see the transformation of the triage room into a welcoming and supportive environment for those in need. This project exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations come together to address important community needs.”
As we celebrate this milestone, Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School extend their gratitude to all who contributed to making this project a reality, in particular the staff at both organisations and the Penistone community. Together, we are paving the way for better mental health care and support for young individuals in our community.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Adam Gillett, Business Development Specialist (Minds Ahead) and Associate Vice Principal (Penistone Grammar School) via info@mindsahead.org.uk
About Minds Ahead:
Minds Ahead is a social enterprise reshaping mental health in education. Learn more at Mental health support in schools and colleges – DfE assured programmes – Minds Ahead
About Penistone Grammar School:
Penistone Grammar School is a large secondary school committed to a values driven education. With a focus on mental health, we strive to empower our students to a successful and happy life beyond the classroom. Learn more at Home | Penistone Grammar School (penistone-gs.uk)
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