MHST Support and Information
Mental Health Support Teams embedded in schools across Swindon, providing early intervention and support where young people need it most.
What Our MHST Teams Do
Our Mental Health Support Teams work directly in schools to provide early intervention and therapeutic support for young people aged 5-18.
For Students:
Individual and group support sessions for mild to moderate mental health concerns including anxiety, low mood, and emotional regulation.
Brief therapeutic interventions (typically 6-8 sessions) using evidence-based approaches.
Psychoeducational workshops helping students understand and manage their mental health.
Digital self-help resources through Kooth online support.
For Schools & Families:
Staff training and consultation on mental health awareness and early identification of concerns.
Support for creating whole-school mental health promoting environments and policies.
Parent and carer workshops on supporting young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Clear referral pathways to specialist services when more intensive support is needed.
We work collaboratively with schools, families, and other services to ensure young people get the right support at the right time.
How we can support you…
We understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming. That's why we offer multiple ways to get support, designed to fit what feels comfortable for you.
Whether you need practical advice, expert guidance, or access to helpful resources, we're here to support your journey at your own pace.
When you are not feeling yourself, its sometimes difficult to open up to your family, friends or teachers. Some people find it easier to open up to someone who is not so close than to a loved one.
Early intervention in educational settings transforms how young people access mental health support. By embedding our Mental Health Support Teams directly within schools, we eliminate traditional barriers like transport, waiting lists, and stigma that often prevent young people from getting the help they need. This integrated approach means support is available where children and young people spend most of their time, creating natural opportunities for early identification and intervention.
Our school-embedded model has demonstrated measurable benefits across the educational community. We've seen an 85% reduction in inappropriate specialist service referrals from trained settings, while staff report increased confidence in recognising and responding to mental health concerns. Students receive timely, evidence-based support that fits around their education, helping them develop resilience and coping strategies that support both their wellbeing and academic achievement.
The collaborative approach extends beyond individual support sessions. Our teams work with school staff, families, and other professionals to create whole-school environments that promote positive mental health. Through professional consultation, training, and clear referral pathways, we're building sustainable capacity within educational settings to support young people's mental health and wellbeing for years to come.
Change can and does happen
Start Your Journey to a Place with More Clarity
People often ask us…
It's natural to have an interest in your treatment. People often want to know what we do, how it works and whether it will work for them.
Here's our take on some of the questions we often come across.
Real Stories from Our Community
Hear from young people, families, and professionals who have experienced the difference our support makes. These are genuine experiences from people we've helped on their mental health journey.
I felt completely lost and overwhelmed when I first reached out for help. The practitioner really listened to me without any judgment and helped me understand that what I was going through wasn't my fault. For the first time in months, I didn't feel alone. They gave me practical ways to cope with my anxiety that actually work in real life.
EMEmma
Service User
I refer students here regularly because I know they'll get the right support. The early help they provide has made such a difference to young people in our school. Parents always feedback positively about the service.
RARachel
School Counselor
As a parent, watching your child struggle with their mental health is heartbreaking. The team helped both me and my son understand what he was going through.
SASarah
Parent
I was nervous about group therapy but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Meeting other young people who understood what I was going through made such a difference.
JAJake
Group Therapy Participant