Seasons for Growth came to East of England through Essex County Council CAMHS Tier 2. The CAMHS Tier 2 Service delivers early intervention to support children experiencing emotional difficulties and emerging mental health problems. In 2008 a worker had identified a significant need to offer intervention for many children who suffered loss through bereavement or separation. Managers discussed the Seasons for Growth intervention and decided that this programme offered a creative group-work package which met the need within our service. CAMHS Tier 2 funded the training for 2 companions and a trainer. The delivery of school programmes started in January 2009.
Across the County the CAMHS workers are based in schools which will facilitate the delivery of programmes. The schools involved in the pilot have welcomed this programme and positive outcomes have been evident. We are now planning to start delivering training for CAMHS Tier2 workers across the County of Essex in October 2010. Currently CAMHS Tier 2 is sustaining this project without external funding. Current development of the Seasons for Growth programme includes programmes for adults starting in April/May 2010.