On the CAMHS waiting list in Manchester? What you can do while you wait

Getting a CAMHS referral can feel as though the hard part is over, until you hear how long the wait is. In Greater Manchester it’s often months. That’s a long time when your child is struggling, but there’s a fair amount you can do in the meantime.

Stay on the list and keep it updated

Don’t take your child off the waiting list because you’ve found help elsewhere. Tell your GP and CAMHS whenever things change, especially if they get worse, as referrals are often prioritised by need.

Keep a simple log

Note when the hard moments happen, what came just before and how long they lasted. A couple of lines a day on your phone, at the bus stop or after tea, is enough. Over a few weeks it turns “he’s struggling” into something a GP or CAMHS clinician can work with.

Ask school what they can offer now

Ask for a meeting with your child’s SENCO or pastoral lead, and take a few questions with you:

• Is there a school counsellor, an ELSA or a mental health support team?
• Could my child have a quiet place to go, or an exit card for when it all gets too much?
• Would reasonable adjustments help with the hardest parts of the day?

Schools vary a lot, so don’t be put off if there’s no counsellor. In our experience the small practical changes are often what makes the day bearable.

Local and community support

Greater Manchester has free and charitable services alongside the NHS. Within the Jewish community, JAMH can help you find therapists who understand your family’s background. The Young Minds parents’ helpline is free and can talk you through what to do next.

Private counselling to bridge the gap

Private counselling doesn’t replace CAMHS, but it means your child can have some support while the referral works its way through. With younger children, and with those who are autistic or have ADHD, we find play-based counselling often helps them cope better while they wait for an assessment or treatment.