First win for mental health service at Medway SEND Awards

Medway’s Young Person’s Wellbeing Service have taken home a top award at the 3rd Annual Medway SEND Awards, marking a first.

Jayne Carey, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for the Medway team, who are now part of Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, received the Health Care Professional SEND Award. It recognises health professionals who have made a meaningful difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The awards are organised by the Medway Parents and Carers Forum (MPCF). They celebrate people and services that go above and beyond to support children and young people with SEND. What makes them unique is that only parents, carers and young people can submit nominations. This ensures the winners reflect the real experiences of local people and families.

Jayne was nominated for her work supporting young people with anxiety and low mood, and for adapting therapy to meet individual needs. Families highlighted her compassionate approach, clear communication and commitment to working closely with schools and other services.

Jayne Carey said: “I’m really honoured to receive this award, especially because it comes from parents, carers and young people themselves. Working with children and young people with SEND is incredibly rewarding. Every family is different, so it’s about listening, being flexible and finding what works best for them. I’m proud to be part of a team that cares so much about improving mental health support and helping young people feel understood and supported.”

Sara Boorman, Interim Service Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health and All-Age Eating Disorder Services at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “This award reflects the dedication of our teams to supporting children, young people and their families. I couldn’t be prouder of all their work and am so pleased Jayne has received the recognition that she truly deserves.

“Our recent move to join Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust means we can build on this to create one, integrated, mental health service for everyone in Kent and Medway.  With a particular emphasis on providing a smoother transition between children’s and adult services so they are fully supported at what we recognise can be feel a difficult point on their road to recovery.”

The success also shows the growing role of community mental health teams in supporting emotional wellbeing alongside education and social development.