Frequently Asked Questions
How long might I have to wait to be seen?
After an initial meeting, the wait could be up to 20 weeks until we are able to start working with you. Bromley Y works very hard to ensure an intervention can be accessed as soon as possible.
What should I do whilst I am waiting?
• Tell us if there is a change of circumstances for you/your child – we want to be sure they access appropriate support. Email: [email protected] or Tel: 020 3770 8848 For urgent advice please see our Get Urgent Help section.
• Watch our videos, attend our webinars or workshops. Young people can learn important tools for managing anxiety, low mood and stress. Parents/carers can learn how to support their young people with their anxieties too.
• Tell us if your situation has improved and you/your child no longer need our support – this frees up our waiting list for others.
• Carefully managed therapeutic group sessions with other young people often means faster access to help.
• If you have been advised to self-refer to another activity or service while you wait – please do access this support. We may ask you to complete this activity before offering you an intervention.
• Young people can access The Signpost text support service while they are waiting and there are videos and self-help advice on our website too.
What is Bromley SPA (Single Point of Access) ?
A free service offering all children and young people access to support for emotional and mental health difficulties.
What is the maximum age supported by the SPA ?
Children and young people – up to 18 years
Care leavers or with those with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) – up to 25 years
Can I refer directly to Bromley Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)?
No. Any child or young person needing assessment and treatment for mental health services at CAMHS should be referred to the Bromley Y Single Point of Access for Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing services (SPA).
How do Bromley Y and Bromley CAMHS work together?
Bromley Y and Bromley CAMHS work in collaboration and meet regularly to discuss cases in a Single Point of Access for Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing services meeting (SPA).
Presenting difficulties and history are reviewed to decide if the young person needs Bromley Y or CAMHS support or another service. For example Bromley Children Project (BCP) or bereavement services might be more appropriate.
What should I do before I make a referral?
It is important to consider school based support; i.e. counselling, learning mentor support, behavioural interventions, discussing case with school Mental Health Support Team (MHST), Bromley Y school workshops, parent and carer workshops.
What information should I have to hand before I make a referral?
The following information is required before making referral
1. Post code
2. Date of birth
3. School
4. GP Surgery
5. NHS number
What is Bromley SPA (Single Point of Access) ?
A free service offering all children and young people access to support for emotional and mental health difficulties.
What is the maximum age supported by the SPA ?
Children and young people – up to 18 years
Care leavers or with those with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) – up to 25 years
Can I make a referral on behalf of a child or young person without their consent?
It is important that any referral to the Bromley Y Single Point of Access for Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing services (SPA) is discussed in advance with the young person if over 16 or with a parent or carer if the young person is under 16.
We will request permission to inform parents of any referrals received for a young person under 18 years old. Without this, may not be able to accept the referral
What should I include in the referral?
1. Detailed description of the presenting difficulties and how long they have been suffering with these.
2. Any recent triggers or stressful events that may have contributed to those difficulties and the impact of those difficulties on:
• Home life
• School life
• Relationships
3. Any interventions that have already been offered and the family and development history if known
4. Any concerns you have of risk or harm to themselves or others and any other safeguarding concerns
5. Their strengths and any protective factors that are in place for the young person
I’m ready to make a referral, how do I go about this?
Visit www.bromley-y.org and click on the pink button on the homepage. You will be taken to the online referral form for you to complete and submit. or Click here
What should I do if I am / my child is in crisis
Please CLICK HERE to Get Urgent Help advice.