We welcome referrals from professionals who know the young person and feel they would benefit from support through The Pillar.

This may include:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) teams 

• Mental Health Support Teams (MHST)

• Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) teams

• Children's Services

• Early Help services

• NHS healthcare professionals

• GP practices and Primary Care services

• Schools and colleges

• Youth workers and youth pastors

• Police

• Other relevant statutory or voluntary sector professionals

Young people we are able to support

Young people who:

• are aged 11–18 years

• are experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties

• are referred by an appropriate professional

• have a parent/carer willing to engage with the referral process

Young people we are unable to support

Unfortunately, The Pillar is not able to support young people who:

• are currently receiving ongoing care from an inpatient mental health service

• are currently presenting with an immediate or significant risk to themselves or others

• require intensive or specialist secondary mental health services that exceed the support The Pillar can safely provide.

Where appropriate, we will signpost families back to the referring professional or other suitable services.

Please note that these criteria are guidance only. Every referral is considered individually by the local Pillar team.

Step 1 – Complete the Referral

The referring professional should complete the online referral form together with the young person and their parent/carer wherever possible.

Parental/carer consent must be obtained before submitting a referral.

Step 2 – Referral Review

The local Pillar team will review the referral to determine whether The Pillar is an appropriate service.

If further information is needed, the referring professional will be contacted.

Step 3 – Initial Contact

If appropriate, a member of the Pillar team will contact the parent/carer to arrange an initial meeting.

The initial meeting provides an opportunity to:

• get to know the young person and family

• understand current needs

• explain how The Pillar works

• decide together whether The Pillar is the right support.

Step 4 – Joining The Pillar

Following the assessment meeting, the young person may:

• be offered a place immediately

• join a waiting list

• be signposted to more appropriate support if required.

The following consent is required before support can begin:

• Parent/carer consent for the referral.

• Parent/carer attendance at the initial assessment meeting.

• Consent for participation in Pillar Space activities.

• Consent for information sharing where appropriate and in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Young people will also be involved in decisions about their support wherever possible.

The Pillar takes safeguarding seriously.

If concerns arise that indicate a young person is at risk of harm, we may need to share information with appropriate agencies in line with our safeguarding policy. Wherever possible, we will discuss this with the young person and parent/carer unless doing so would increase risk.

If you are unsure whether a young person is suitable for The Pillar, we encourage professionals to contact the local Pillar team before making a referral.

Totton Team

Email: thepillar@stwins.org

Telephone: 023 8039 7404

Lordshill Team