The MHSTs counsellor

‘Without these sessions, he wouldn’t be in the good place he is now’

Hannah Savory works for Barnardo’s MHSTs in schools across Swindon

It’s a challenging, diverse, and rewarding role but an increasing number of children need support. The first quarter of this year’s referrals are up by 185% compared with 2021. I see the positive difference mental health support teams are making and I just wish there were more teams like us throughout the country.

My day starts with a session with a 14-year-old boy. When I first met him, he was feeling very low, withdrawing from school, hobbies and friends. We have spent our sessions together building up his motivation and re-introducing activities that will support his mental health. As he’s talking to me, it’s the first time I’ve seen the light come back on in his eyes. He describes a time with his friends and the joy it made him feel. This moment makes me so grateful for the role I have. Without these sessions, he wouldn’t be in the good place he is now.

My next session is with a girl in year 11 experiencing anxiety. Her GCSEs have started, and she tells me her panic attacks have increased. She says she doesn’t feel “good enough”, which is something a lot of young people can relate to. We use the session to challenge these thoughts and practise mindfulness exercises.

When our sessions end, I know she is someone who would benefit from further specialist counselling for low self-esteem. Barnardo’s is calling for an MHST+ model, which will include a school counsellor to help children with more specific needs.

In the afternoon I am training staff on how they can support students’ mental health. They tell me the session leaves them with a better understanding of mental health and some good strategies.

My day finishes with a meeting to discuss waiting list management. Our service has seen a huge increase in demand and it is an ongoing challenge for me and the team to make sure children and young people get help in a timely manner.