31st May 2024

This is an important update about CHUMS provision of the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service (EWS) for children, young people and families in Bedfordshire and Luton.For 24 years we have proudly partnered with the NHS to deliver bereavement and emotional wellbeing support. Our team has supported 85,000 individuals to cope with mental health difficulties and grief. Regrettably, our long-standing partnership with the NHS is ending. East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) will transition the delivery of the service to ELFT CAMHS on 1st June 2024. We are deeply disappointed by the outcome of the procurement process. Nevertheless, our unwavering commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of the community remains strong. We are actively seeking alternative funding to continue supporting bereaved children and their families. CHUMS will continue to deliver the following services:

•  Department of Health and Social Care Early Intervention Hub for 11 – 25 year olds
•  Trauma Service for 5 – 18 year olds
•  Recreational Therapeutic Service for 7 – 11 year olds
•  Babyloss Service for bereaved parents
•  Suicide Bereavement Service (BSBS) for all ages
•  Friendship Scheme, for 13 – 25 year olds with disabilities in Luton
•  Young Carers for 5 – 25 year olds in Luton

Five of these services are charitably funded through our sister organisation, CHUMS Charity. Donations can be made at https://chumscharity.org/

Additionally, we provide a Suicide Response Service in Hertfordshire (HSBS) and a Specialist Bereavement Service for up to 25 year olds in Kent.

More information about these services, our eligibility criteria and referral forms, can be found on this website.

We recognise that this period of change may be unsettling for people in the community who rely on our services. We are working hard to minimise the impact and value your support during this transition. We are committed to meeting community needs and seek to continue the valuable work CHUMS has delivered, including future collaborations with ELFT. Despite no longer delivering the Emotional Wellbeing Service, we have creative and ambitious plans for new services.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions or feedback at info@chums.uk.com and thank you for your continued support and belief in our work.

Below is the information regarding access to services delivered by ELFT:
CAMHS | East London NHS Foundation Trust (elft.nhs.uk)
South Bedfordshire/Luton CAMHS | East London NHS Foundation Trust (elft.nhs.uk)
North Bedfordshire CAMHS | East London NHS Foundation Trust (elft.nhs.uk)

Get Crisis Support – there are other entry points to accessing support depending on clinical need. This may include accessing crisis support on 111 option 2 or if you require medical intervention the local A&E dept. where you will also be assessed via the CAMHS crisis pathway once medically fit.

Kind regards

Dawn Hewitt – CHUMS CEO