Child mental health schemes brought together

West Sussex County Council says one leadership team will now run the services

West Sussex County Council has brought its mental health services for children and their families together under one "psychological hub".

One leadership team will now run the services, which can be accessed by a healthcare referral, according to the local authority.

The hub "aims to help families stay together" and "support children through complex emotional and mental health challenges", the council said.

It includes therapy pods based at the council's Horsham office.

Cabinet member for children and young people, Jacquie Russell, said the council was "creating a more joined-up, responsive system that puts the emotional wellbeing of children and families front and centre".

The hub works collaboratively with social workers, schools and other professionals, she said.