NEW help is set to be provided to meet the mental health needs of South Craven youngsters entering care.

North Yorkshire County Council has been awarded Government funding to run a two-year pilot project aimed at ensuring children are assessed at the correct time, by the right people.

The intention is to reduce the number of appointments young people across North Yorkshire have to attend with different professionals, and make greater use of existing relationships.

The county council is among nine local authorities across the UK to share a £650,000 pot for trialling the new approach to mental health assessments.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children's services, said involvement in the pilot would help the authority better understand youngsters’ wellbeing needs from the beginning and prevent issues escalating.

“We listened to young people when they asked us to help support their mental health needs,” she added.

“Being part of this project is a great opportunity to ensure each child gets help that is right for them, at the right time. As we roll out this pilot, we will continue to listen to young people every step of the way.”

Among those contributing to the scheme is Shannon Downing, 22, chairman of the Young People’s Council – a youth voice group for those who have experienced care in North Yorkshire.

Shannon – who spent four years in care, until she was 16 – said: “The main thing is having a person who stays with you throughout.

“Having lots of different faces can be quite distressing for some people, especially if they have anxiety or different mental health issues.

“The other important issue is getting the right support for each individual – getting them on the right track and making them feel happier.

“I just want young people to have the support they need. That’s a big tick in the box.”

The pilot will also see a young person currently in care appointed as an advisor.

The county council recently held a consultation when developing a strategy, We Care Because You Matter, for looked-after children.

One of the issues raised by young people was a wish for better access to mental health provision and wellbeing support.

The authority already has psychologists in social work teams as one of a number of initiatives.

It received an ‘outstanding’ grade in every category last year for its children and families service, under an inspection framework which focuses on the effectiveness of frontline practice.

The council is also appointed by the Department for Education as a ‘Partner in Practice’, supporting improvement in other local authorities.