CLCH to deliver school nursing service in Richmond-upon-Thames

Following an extensive review of the existing service and subsequent procurement process, CLCH has been awarded a new contract to deliver the Healthy Child Programme for children aged 5-19 in Richmond-upon-Thames.

The service will focus on emotional and mental wellbeing and the prevention of obesity and weight management alongside delivering important health promotion programmes, including the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).It will also educate young people on 'risky' behaviours (including alcohol and drug use), sexual health and relationships.

This new approach to in-school health support will better reflect the public health priorities for Richmond and it will be evaluated regularly to ensure that the needs of all young people are being addressed.

There will be an emphasis on establishing strong, supportive relationships with schools across the borough and CLCH will work closely with a range of professionals including GPs, the council, Achieving for Children services and the voluntary sector.

Cllr Lisa Blakemore, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Health, said: "This new contract aims to strengthen the role of the school nurse. As more and more young people are going through our school system, the demand on school nurses is on the rise.

"But it is important to remember that all young people are different, with varying needs, therefore our approach to school nursing needs to be flexible and robust."

"We know that pressure on our young people is greater than ever in part because there are many young people trying to manage stress from school, exams, social media or other issues in their home lives. The school nurse can, for many people, be the vital link to help young people work through the challenges. I am confident that CLCH are best placed to give this support."

James Reilly, Chief Executive of CLCH, said: "We're delighted to be appointed to run school health services in Richmond. We already work with nearly 400 schools and 112,000 students across London and are looking forward to welcoming the Richmond team into CLCH.

 "Helping give young people the best start in life through good health and wellbeing support is essential and something we're very proud of. Our aim is to help young people develop the skills they need to manage the challenges they face both in school and at home."