Specialist services to be introduced

From the beginning of September, new NHS services targeting mental health and eating disorders will be available for Ashford residents.

People of any age in east Kent with an eating disorder, and children and young people (under 18) who need specialist mental healthcare, will get more connected services.

Contracts for a new all-age eating disorders service in Kent and Medway, and an innovative children and young people’s mental health service in Kent have been awarded to the same organisation, the NHS trust NELFT.

Currently, there is no separate specialist service for people with eating disorders as it is included as part of wider mental health services.

Chil dr e n, young people and families with experience of mental health problems, and t eenagers and adults with experience of eating disorders played a key role in the process, including setting out what they expect from the new service.

The joined-up approach was developed by Kent clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and Kent County Council (KCC) who put in place the services for improved emotional, wellbeing and mental-health services.

The services will begin on Friday, September 1.