
Central and West Lancashire Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) are teams of kind and friendly people who are here to support young children and young people’s mental health.
We provide a free and confidential emotional health and wellbeing support for young people with mild to moderate emotional health and wellbeing needs who attend one of these 56 education settings.
Sometimes, you may feel sad, scared or worried. Maybe you’re getting angry or frustrated. We can help get you the right help!
We come to schools and talk to children and young people in groups or maybe just one to one.
How the service can help you
We help you build your skills to cope with:
- Low mood: sadness, low motivation
- Mild to moderate anxiety: worries, irrational fears and concerns
- Difficulty in adjusting to change and transition
- Difficulty in managing emotions: angry outbursts, frustration and distress
How we do it
- We deliver evidence based interventions through 1:1 meetings and group work (usually 6-8 sessions based on what you need) for children and young people aged 5-18
- We support the Senior Mental Health Lead to develop a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing
- We provide advice and guidance to school and college staff
- We provide strategies to parents/carers to support with their child’s anxiety
The service is made up of Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners and Supervising Practitioners from a range of health and education backgrounds.
How you can access the service
You can speak to one of the friendly team by ringing us on 01772 280123
We will ask you a few questions to get started, then one of our team members will call you back to make sure we’re the right people to help.
We also accept written Requests for Support from young people, parents, carers and professionals. Just fill in the Request for Support form and return it to compassbloom@compass-uk.org You can also use this email address to contact us for any other reason.
We aim to get you coping and feeling better about what’s going on in your life.
One of the team will then be in touch.
Opening times
Our office opening times are Monday – Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.
Most of the work we do with young people is done during school and office times but if these times don’t suit you, just let us know and we’ll see if we can arrange something at a time that’s more convenient to you.
We are not open on weekends or bank holidays
If you require support out of these hours and feel you are in danger or at risk of harm, you can contact the CAMHS Crisis service on the following numbers:
West Lancashire – 01695 684262
Preston- 0772 777344
South Ribble and Chorley – 0772 644 644
Or in an emergency dial 999.
Get social with us
Meet the team
Chelsea
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Chelsea. When I was in school, I struggled a lot with my anxiety, and didn’t get the help and support that I needed. I love my job because I can now support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. I have a master’s degree in sport physical activity and mental health. In my spare time, I love walking my dog Tobi, socialising with friends and enjoy going to the Lake District for long walks.
Faaiza
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I am Faaiza and I have always been passionate about how people feel and how to ease their difficulties. My friends often think of me as the group therapist. I have a background of working in secondary education pastoral care, running my own business and teaching at a local college. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going for walks and doing watercolour painting and modern calligraphy.
Gemma
Supervising Practitioner
Hi, I’m Gemma, I have a background in education and I feel very passionate about making sure that every young person has their mental health needs identified early and receives the right support from the right person at the right time. Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, reading, baking, anything crafty and visiting new places. I’m a mum to two children and I have a tabby cat called Beatrix and a German shepherd called Ruby.
Melanie
Supervising Practitioner
I am excited to work here. I’ve worked with children and young people for many years in different roles and have also previously worked for Compass for about four years. When I’m not in work I enjoy yoga, meditation and country walks with my dog.
Kirsty
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hello, my name is Kirsty. I feel passionately about supporting children and young people and to work with schools and colleges to improve our children’s mental wellbeing. I have worked as a higher-level teaching assistant for the last 14 years in a primary school. I worked extensively with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children by focusing on their academic and emotional needs and helping them address and overcome challenges. I have a degree in English and drama and a passion for Shakespeare.
Lisa
Supervising Practitioner
Hi, my name is Lisa. I am a trained psychotherapist with 23 years’ experience of working within a range of mental health settings. I have also worked for social care and for the last five years in education. I am currently studying trauma informed practice at Chester University. Outside of work, I am a proud mum of two boys, and me and my husband love to gently encourage our two teenagers to step away from the XBOX and come along on adventures which usually includes travelling, paddle boarding and outdoor swimming.
Lizzie
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hello, my name is Lizzie. I am incredibly passionate about mental health in children and young people. I studied history at Lancaster University before completing a PGCE in primary education. I have worked in schools for the last 5 years and have realized the need for mental health and wellbeing support within education. I feel privileged to be able to fulfil that need. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading and binge-watching Netflix!
Lucy
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Lucy! I am so excited to help in providing mental health and wellbeing support to young people and families. I studied psychotherapy and counselling at the University of Central Lancashire which gave me excellent knowledge of therapeutic interventions and theories. I have experience working in education settings with young people and adults suffering from mental health problems and learning difficulty related behavioural problems. Outside of work, I love painting, colouring, sketching - it’s how I like to express myself. I also like listening to music, going out with my friends and spending time with my family!
Mia
Team Leader
Hi, I’m Mia, I am a person-centred counsellor. I am experienced in working with children, young people and adults, supporting them with their emotional and mental health. I recently set up a counselling service in high schools. I feel it is so beneficial for children and young people to be able to access the right support, at the right time in a place that feels familiar to them. Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors walking our dog and I’ve recently started running. I am also learning Spanish.
Romy
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Romy! My passion is to help young people which led me to opt for this role. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in zoology at the University of Leeds and then went on to study a PGCE in secondary teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have worked as a teacher in a special educational needs (SEN) school. I obtained my master’s degree in psychology during this time. In my spare time I love being active, taking long walks at the weekends and doing my home workouts. I adore cooking and trying new recipes!
Ruth
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, my name is Ruth. My background is in education, previously as an early year’s teacher and most recently providing 1:1 support to children with additional needs in primary school. I love my job as I am always learning and developing my skills and knowledge to help and support young people and their families. As a mum of four teenagers, I don’t have a lot of spare time but when I do I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, reading a good book or pottering in my garden.
Samantha
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hello, my name is Samantha. I am extremely passionate about early intervention/prevention and believe that everyone should have equal access to support. I completed my degree in education, psychology and counselling and worked within a variety of education settings and age groups, which heightened my enthusiasm for mental health/wellbeing support for young people and their families. Outside of work I love to go on adventures with my dog Milo, spending time with my family and friends and listening to music and singing.
Sophie
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi I’m Sophie! I graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 2020 after completing a BA hons in English literature and creative writing. I have always been an avid reader and writer and have used journaling and poetry to express my thoughts and emotions. I love going for walks, spending time in nature but I also love cooking a nice meal and snuggling down. I am so excited to work here and to learn from each other’s skill set.
Sophie
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Sophie! I am very proud to support the mental wellbeing of children and young people. I studied psychology at the University of Liverpool and previously worked as a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teaching assistant in a high school. I always knew I had a passion for helping young people socially and emotionally. I am eager to work with schools to improve the access of mental health support to young people. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, travelling to new places and getting creative with my crafts!
Sue
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Sue! I feel proud to be able to support children and young people when they need it the most. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, which is where I found my passion for working with and supporting individuals with mental health needs. I have worked within crisis services and in primary care settings providing interventions for individuals with common mental health needs. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my baby niece! I also enjoy baking and travelling to new places.
Jane
Trainee Emotional Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I am Jane. I've worked with and supported children and young people from different backgrounds since 2006. Some things I’ve helped with are focusing on learning more, trying new things and learning how your body and brain works.
I love being outdoors. Indoors I read and watch films. I try to do one lovely thing every day and remember “my thoughts are thoughts, and I can change them”!
Alison
Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I am Alison. I have supported children and young people in different roles for many years. I have a degree in social pedagogy, advocacy and participation and I am a qualified educational mental health practitioner. I am passionate about supporting children and young people with their life journey by working with them to find the best tools that will support their positive wellbeing.
I love the outdoors, spending time with my family, walking, playing board games, watching films and playing with my new kittens!
Alana
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi I’m Alana. I have over 15 years’ experience of working with children, young people and adults with mental health needs in education and I am also a qualified teacher. I have always had a keen interest in supporting individuals with their mental health and believe that early intervention and support is key.
In my spare time, I enjoy socialising, yoga, keeping fit and going to the cinema.
Adele
Supervising Practitioner
Hi, I am Adele. Having taught psychology for 13 years I became aware of the mental health problems that many young people face and I decided to support them with their anxieties and low mood. I enjoy working as a mental health practitioner and wellbeing lead.
When I am not working, I like to be active; a regular gym-goer and runner. Last year I ran the London marathon. My favourite time is when I am with my family, enjoying the outdoors and walking my little shih-tzu dog, Minnie.
Salma
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I am Salma. I feel excited to join this team. For many years, I have worked within the education system, and realized that there was a gap for children and young people mental health services. I feel passionate about starting this new role and be able to make change for children and young people and their families.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking and going out with my family.
Carolyn
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I'm Carolyn. I have worked with children and young people for over 15 years in youth organisations and schools as a pastoral lead. I love working with children and young people because there are never two days the same. I want to help them see that it's okay to talk about their mental health and that they are not alone.
Outside of work, I enjoy being around my family; I'm a mum to a very energetic toddler and an even more energetic cockapoo. I like making things, crafting, and watching reality TV.
Deborah
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi I’m Deb, I have a background in health and wellbeing coaching and I’m really excited to be supporting our local children and young people with their emotional and mental health. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and together we like to be outside in nature, which is handy as I have an energetic dog. I also enjoy anything crafty and really enjoy crochet as it relaxes my mind. I also enjoy running, yoga, music and cooking.
Rebecca
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Hi, I’m Becky. I have worked for charities and schools to support young people with different aspects of their health and wellbeing. I have found that feeling seen and heard can make a big positive difference in people’s lives. I feel privileged to have the chance to get to know lots of young people and support them to achieve their aims.
When I am not working, I spend time with my family and friends. I am often listening to podcasts or music and like playing video games.
Carla
Senior Administrator
Hello, I’m Carla. I have a passion for helping people and making a difference, I believe a smile goes a long way. I have worked across many industries and sectors and mainly in a marketing and customer service role. I am delighted to be working for Compass Bloom and the fantastic team who provides a much-needed service and makes such a difference to so many families. In my spare time I enjoy being ‘mummy’ to my little boy, being in the fresh air, the gym and being around my friends and family.
Sarah
Administrator
Hi, my name is Sarah. I have 19 years of admin experience and feel passionate about supporting children and young people especially as I have 3 children of my own. We have 3 dogs called Herbie who is a Labrador, Holly who is a pug and Pablo who is a French Bulldog. I love to read, binge watch a good Netflix series and spend time with family and friends.
Kim
Team Leader
Hello I am Kim. I am a Mental Health Nurse by background and have spent many years supporting individuals with their mental health and wellbeing.
As a mum of two young children I can see the challenges that young people may face in school and within the wider community. In my spare time I enjoy getting out in the fresh air running, doing fun stuff with the kids and I love watching Netflix!