Early Help Services
As of 31st March 2025:
- The telephone number for the Early Help Hub has changed to (01872) 324 605
- CAMHS is no longer receiving referrals via a single generic email address; there are now individual email addresses based on locality. Please see the guideline on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Servicesfor specific referral instructions.
Introduction
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.
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.
Advice and Guidance
If you require further advice, or are unsure which service is required, contact the Early Help Hub. Open Mon-Fri 8:45-17:15 (except Fri 16:45). Please note that requests cannot be made by phone, unless there are specific communication difficulties.
T: (01872) 324 605
E: earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk
Referral
Early Help Hub
- 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 (CAMHS)
CAMHS are no longer centrally based in the Early Help Hub and have ceased a single point of contact approach. As such, the single generic email address is no longer available, so referrals need to be sent to the appropriate locality depending on where the patient is registered with a GP.
Please follow the guideline on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for specific referral instructions.
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
Making an Early Help request
Complete the online Early Help Request form
GPs have a right to refer in any format as long as it contains the necessary clinical information.
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
References
Page Review Information
Review date |
01 May 2025 |
Next review date |
01 May 2027 |
Specialty Lead GP |
Dr Laura Vines |
Contributors |
Zoe Bendelow, Early Help Hub Health Lead
|