Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (MPFT) Children and Families services have teamed up with digital mental health provider Cerebral to offer a range of online support for young people living in South Staffordshire, dependent on their need. This service is for school-aged children (4-18years).

MPFT is the first NHS Trust partnered with Cerebral, which uses online technology to make therapy and web-based support more easily accessible to children, young people and families without the need for travel or waiting lists.  

As well as gaming livestreams, live chat, and other engaging and fun digital content aimed at supporting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing, those accessing the new service may also be offered personal online therapy if this is felt to be required.

Children and young people are intelligently matched with a therapist based on their preferences, for example: cultural or ethnic background; experience with trauma or abuse; or challenges commonly faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. This improves clinical outcomes by building a strong therapeutic alliance from the start. 

The service is provided through The Sandbox website.