A new contract to deliver Children and adolescence Mental Health Services, across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin, including services currently covered by BeeU, has been awarded to the Midland Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT).
Feedback and consultation opportunities for the Shropshire SEND Community were offered over the last 12month, which we understand have informed this decision, however PACC is disappointed not to have been included in the full commissioning process, meaning the process and decision making was not co-produced.
We understand that the Shropshire SEND Community, based on previous experience, will have concerns about MPFT being awarded this contract. Gemma Smith, Director of Commissioning for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, has highlighted however that;
“This is not a continuation of the previous service, it’s a new and different model, designed from the ground up with input from hundreds of children, young people, parents, carers and professionals.”
Information shared with PACC tells us that Key improvements that will be made over time include:
- Easier access and navigation through a single point of referral, a dedicated triage team and an online digital screening and information tools.
- Faster support, with reduced waiting times and interim help while awaiting specialist care.
- Joined-up care, supported by a shared digital system and cross-agency information sharing.
- Support through transitions, with services now covering ages 0–25 and proactive planning from age 16.
- Flexible, inclusive care, including online, face-to-face, outreach and multilingual options.
- Stronger focus on prevention, early help and personalised support, aligned with the I-Thrive framework.
- Ongoing monitoring, with follow-up for discharged individuals and fast-track re-access if needed.
- Improved communication, signposting and engagement with families and professionals.
Next Steps
The refreshed service expected to go live on 1 April 2026. Some elements of the new model will be in place from 1 April 2026, while others will be introduced and embedded gradually as part of a three-year transformation programme, so teams and stakeholders can expect gradual changes rather major changes happening all at once.
PACC will continue to champion the need for the CAMHS offer to be co-produced, with the voice of children and young people with SEND and their families at the heart of decision making about this vital service.
You can read the press release for this announcement here