The Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Health and Wellbeing Committee convened to discuss mental health services, the work programme for the coming year, and updates from Healthwatch Staffordshire. Councillors reviewed local mental health service provisions, particularly for autism, and discussed ways to improve the transition from child to adult services. The committee also endorsed the proposed work programme for 2025-2026.

Mental Health Service Overview

The committee received an overview of mental health services available locally, with a focus on autism, from the North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust. Ben Richards, Chief Operating Officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, and Karen Webb, Joint Funding Lead at Staffordshire County Council, presented an update that included:

• Adult and children's inpatient and community services
• Services for older people with mental health needs
• Support for people with learning disabilities and substance misuse issues

The presentation highlighted preventative measures such as NHS 111, mental health option 2, and community mental health in-reach support. It also addressed access to services, including pathway redesigns, personalised care and support plans, and health checks for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI).

Transition from CAMHS to Adult Services

The committee discussed the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to adult services. A monthly multi-agency transition panel, including CAMHS and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) practitioners, primary care representatives, and local authority transition team leads, was established to support young people approaching 17½ years old. The panel aims to identify individual needs and ensure a smooth transition to appropriate adult services.

The presentation noted that earlier identification and joint working is now initiated at 17½ years for young people transitioning to adult services, with a keyworker allocated to commence a Standard Assessment Framework (SAF).

A youth survey was conducted by NSCHT, receiving 157 responses from young people aged 14–25 years old, to gather feedback on community provision. The survey found that young people desired open, easily accessible mental health support and safe spaces.

Autism Services and Data

The committee discussed specific services for adults with autism, such as courses in finding jobs and further training, as well as early intervention services. Data on autism assessments in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent revealed the following:

The report highlighted that nationally, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients aged 0-17 with an open suspected autism referral, with a 23.2% increase in referrals in one year.

Work Programme 2025-2026

The committee approved the Work Programme 2025-2026, which outlines the key areas of focus for the committee in the coming year. Items suggested by members for inclusion on the work programme included progress with the maintenance of defibrillators, dementia and Walk-in Centres/Minor Injury Units as the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) was due to make a decision on these services.

Healthwatch Staffordshire

The committee received an overview from Healthwatch Staffordshire¹.