Hillingdon's children's mental health services are demonstrating significant progress through the implementation of the 'Thrive' initiative, an integrated approach designed to support young people and their families. The initiative has already supported 136 children and young people, with an average improvement of 30% in how they were feeling, equating to a wellbeing value of approximately £600,000 over a twelve-month period.
During a Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, representatives from Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) provided an update on the initiative. A new website has been developed as part of the Thrive framework, offering links to council services, a digital directory of resources, referral information, and crisis contacts. The website also features self-care tools, videos, and resources for children, young people, parents/carers, and professionals, alongside information explaining common conditions such as anxiety.
The Thrive framework operates on a 'no wrong front door' principle, a key operational change for frontline staff. This means that even if a service contacted is not the appropriate pathway, the child or young person will not be redirected elsewhere without support. This principle is being supported by training, including a two-hour online CAMHS masterclass for GPs, which has already led to streamlined changes in the GP CAMHS referral form, now serving as a blueprint for other boroughs.
The committee also heard that Hillingdon's Thrive work is among the most advanced in London, with a national model being adapted to local needs. This adaptation addresses the identified increase in children and young people experiencing mental health challenges in the area, as well as supporting those who have struggled to navigate the existing system.
The rollout of Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in schools is progressing, with Hillingdon currently achieving approximately 60% coverage and aiming for the national 100% target by 2029. The Thrive contract is set for three years, with information on the platform to be kept up-to-date throughout this period.
A line graph showing the weekly referral numbers for THH Lighthouse from August 2025 to February 2026, indicating a general upward trend with fluctuations.
