Posted on: Friday 9 February 2024
This week, Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle and Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan, visited a Regional Partnership Programme located in Torfaen which supports children and young people with complex mental health needs.
Established in 2004, MyST, or My Support Team, is a multiagency partnership made up of Children’s Services representatives from all the Gwent Local Authorities and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
MyST supports children and young people across the region through a range of therapeutic services, enabling them to return from, or to prevent them from, having to live in out of county residential care.
The ministers visited the regional service at the site of the former Victoria Primary School, in Abersychan, where they met with some of the partners, teams and families who have benefited from the service.
They also got to learn about some of the evidence-based approaches MyST use to improve the outcomes and well-being of the children and young people.
Some of the trauma and initial challenges faced by children seeking support through MyST can include substance misuse, sexual exploitation, and self-harm.
Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle said: “I am delighted to see the amazing work that MyST is doing to support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. They are providing a vital service that helps children to stay connected, safe and healthy in their communities.
“I am incredibly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff, and the resilience and achievements of the young people and their families, foster carers, and residential staff. I want to thank them for sharing their experiences and insights with us today.”
The MyST Regional Programme moved to the former home of Victoria Primary school in 2020, after acquiring funding from Welsh Government.
It’s now a safe space for young people where they can feel comfortable to take part and access a range of facilities and activities, such as individual therapies, family work, whole meetings around the child and educational inputs.
All with the aim of keeping children in their local communities, with their families, foster carers, schools and friends.
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “I am proud to support MyST and the incredible work they do for our children and young people with complex mental health needs. MyST is more than just a service, it is a journey of transformation and healing for the young people and their families.
“It’s a critical service that ensures that no child is left behind or forgotten, and that every child has a chance to live a fulfilling and happy life. I commend the staff and partners of MyST for their commitment and passion, and I congratulate the young people for their courage and achievements.”
MyST is commissioned by the Gwent Children and Families Partnership Board with teams based in Torfaen, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent & Newport.
For more information about MyST, visit the website at: www.mysupportteam.org.uk