Early Help Services

This guideline applies to children and young people who are aged pre-birth to 18. Despite being a children’s ‘front door’ service, advice may be accessed for young people up to the age of 25, who have a special educational need (SEN) or disability.  

 

Introduction

The Early Help Hub is a service jointly run by Cornwall Council and Cornwall Foundation Trust. They are the ‘front door’ to early help services and aim to direct professionals and patients to the right help, at the right time, by the right service.

 

 

Referral

Criteria

• Child or young adult pre-birth to 18 (up to 25 if SEN or disability) with a need for early help, care and support.
   
• Consent is required, from either parent/carer with parental responsibility or young person over 13 years old.

 

Urgent mental health concerns, with no acute medical need

Professionals - 24/7 Healthcare Professionals line: (01209) 881 999

Patients and/or parents/carers - Mental Health Connect: (0800) 038 5300

 

Child and adolescent mental health

Complete the CAMHS Referral Form (accessed here, under ‘Child and Adolescent Mental Health’) and email to cft.camhsreferrals@nhs.net

 

Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. ASD, ADHD, tics, learning, sensory and coordination difficulties)

Follow the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Referral guideline

 

 

Health Visiting and School Nursing

In addition to early help requests for health assessment by Health Visitor or School Nurse, families can be signposted to ChatHealth - a TEXT based service for accessing health advice for patients and/or their parents/carers:

• For adolescents (aged 11-19): phone or TEXT (07312) 263 096

• For parents/carers of children aged:
  • 0-5: phone or TEXT (07312) 263 423
    
    
  • 5-19: phone or TEXT (07312) 263 499

The messaging service is available Mon-Fri 9-5pm. A trained professional will reply within 48hrs, during office hours.

 

The Health Visiting and School Nurse service can provide health-related advice over the phone or via email:

T: (01872) 324 261

E: hvsnadvice@cornwall.gov.uk

 

Early Help request

Complete the online Early Help Request form

This can be completed by parents/carers or professionals, depending on service required. Only HCP can request:

• Children’s community nursing: (01872) 246 956
  
• Paediatric epilepsy nurse specialist service:
  • Complete Paediatric Epilepsy Referral Form and email to cft.epilepsyservice@nhs.net, for assistance completing the form, phone (01872) 246 949
• Early support (Team Around The Child)
• Neurodevelopmental assessment
• Video interactive guidance

 

 

Advice and Guidance

 

If you require further advice, or are unsure which service is required, contact the Early Help Hub. Open Mon-Fri 8:45-5:15pm (except Fri 4:45pm). Please note that requests cannot be made by phone, unless there are specific communication difficulties.

T: (01872) 322 277

E: earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk

 

References

Cornwall Council – Early Help

 

 

 

Page Review Information

 

Review date	15/03/2024
Next review date	15/03/2026
Specialty Lead GP	Dr Laura Vines
Contributors	Zoe Bendelow, Early Help Hub Health Lead