Reading’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST), which works in schools across the borough, has been rated good or above by almost 100% of its users for a second year running. 

The service, run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), was rated as good or above by 99% of respondents in an annual feedback report – a 1% rise on last year’s results. 

A total of 258 people responded to this year’s survey, demonstrating that the team has continued to reach a high number of children and young people and schools. 

When asked to rate the overall experience of working with the MHST, over 93% of people scored the service between a 4 and 5 out of 5, which is consistent with last year’s results. 

In addition to figures, the report also collected some feedback about the service over the past year. 

One young person said: “I feel better and happier about doing things. I was encouraged to do things that I wasn’t doing before.” 

A comment from a parent reads: “Incredible! It helped me get my little girl back. Her anxiety crippled her but with the support, she’s got her anxiety under control, and it’s helped our whole family.” 

The MHST was launched in 16 schools in west Reading in January 2020 as part of an innovative trailblazer project. It was expanded to a further 20 schools in south and central Reading in September 2022 and now operates in 36 schools across the borough. 

Plans are in place to extend the offer to the remaining 19 state-funded schools in north and east Reading from September 2024, bringing the total to 55 schools. 

The team, funded by Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, supports children and young people, and their families, with emerging, mild or moderate mental health needs, focusing particularly on low mood, anxiety and behaviour. 

Lara Patel, Executive Director of Children’s Services, said: “For the second year running, our fantastic Mental Health Support Team has received outstanding feedback from young people and their families. 

“I am delighted to see the team having so many positive impacts in our schools to help children and young people received essential mental health support and wellbeing when they need it.” 

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “Reading’s Mental Health Support Team does an outstanding job at providing support for our children and young people, at a time when nationally they are struggling more with mental health concerns. 

“This feedback continues to demonstrate that the service is making a big difference across Reading, and the team will work hard to make sure this level of support is maintained.” 

Notes to editors 

You can view the full report and find out more about the MHST at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/mental-health-support-team/