Think Family Outreach Team – Finalists in Nursing in Mental Health

First set up in January 2021, the Think Family Outreach Team (TFOT) supports children and young people at times of crisis, in a variety of settings, tailoring their offer to each individual’s needs. The team offers support, guidance and psych-education skills. TFOT walk alongside young people and their families at a time of vulnerability for them.

Shortlisted in the category for nursing in mental health, the team’s nomination recognises the dedication, creativity, and compassion of the team in expanding support for children, young people, and families across Coventry and Warwickshire. Over the past year, TFOT has:

• Launched a pilot day provision, offering an alternative to hospital admission and a longer-term assessment of need.
• Enhanced intervention to provide timely, wraparound support for children and young people in crisis.
• Strengthened multi-agency partnerships.
• Delivered person-centred care in line with national guidance (NHS, 2023), ensuring support is available close to home, individual, educational and at the time required.

This approach has significantly improved outcomes and experiences for young people and their families, particularly during times of acute distress.

Terri Lewis, TFOT team lead, said: “Being shortlisted is a huge honour and very exciting as team — as the team lead it’s a moment of recognition for the resilience, passion, and belief this team brings to the work every day. I am extremely proud of what we’ve built together, and we hope this is just the beginning of even greater impact.”