Oldham CAMHS

To make sure people can easily access our service, we now have a single point of access via the Oldham Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

The MASH is Oldham’s first point of contact for:

• Safeguarding referrals to protect children, young people or adults from harm, abuse or neglect
• Care and support services which help individuals or families to meet their long-term needs, prevent or delay needs becoming more serious, lead independent lives and reduce dependence on public services

It is no longer possible to refer directly to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, other than urgent referrals through accident and emergency and paediatric wards.

Anyone can now make a referral to our service including:

• Self-referral by a young person
• Parents and carers
• All health professionals
• All social care professionals
• Education professionals
• Anyone who works or comes into contact with a young person

Professionals making a referral on behalf of a young person should use this online form.

Please note, anyone making a referral on behalf of a young person must gain their consent to make a referral to the MASH and check that they agree for their information to be shared with MASH services, as required and appropriate. Please reassure them that the process for sharing information is safe and secure.

Self-referral or referrals made by parents can be made by using the online referral form

Telephone: 0161 770 7777 (option 1)

Please ensure you have the young person's consent before making the referral.

If you have any queries, you can contact the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Team directly on 0161 716 2020 or the Oldham MASH on 0161 770 7777.

• Make time to listen - create a calm, safe space where they can communicate their feelings. They may feel overwhelmed by a changing situation that isn’t being clearly explained in a way they can understand.
• Take time to talk - some young people find it easier to talk while doing something together such as playing in the park, going for a walk, painting or other activities.
• Try to understand the problems and provide reassurance that you have heard them and you are there to help. Their problems could be something you haven’t picked up on – it’s very common, so don’t feel guilty about this.

Further advice and helpful tips can be found on NHS’s Every Mind Matters.

• If a child has taken an overdose or needs urgent medical help call 999 or take them to the nearest A&E. In Oldham, it will be The Royal Oldham Hospital nhs.uk/location

• If you need urgent mental health support or advice, call 111 and choose the mental health option or contact your GP. For example, if a child is having suicidal thoughts or is self-harming.

• If you have noticed physical injuries such as deep cuts or burns contact NHS 111 online or your GP for advice.
• You can also self refer using the link here: MASH Referrals (oldham.gov.uk)

www.kooth.com for online counselling and advice

Bereavement Support Service: 0161 627 8207

Young carers: 0161 621 9497

Integrated health and family service: 0161 621 9600

We've created an Oldham CAMHS walkthrough video to help you find your way to our service. It also has some information about what to expect when you arrive.

We've also made some slides with pictures and information about what to expect when you visit Oldham CAMHS for the first time.