Welcome to THRIVE in Suffolk

Following our launch workshops held 30/31 January 2020, we have created this area to share with you updates on our work to embed the THRIVE Framework and transform emotional and mental health services for children, young people and families in Suffolk.

Here is a link to the workshop presentation.

The THRIVE Framework for system change is transforming mental health promotion and support for children, young people and families in England.  In Suffolk despite the best intentions, increased investment and the hard work of many people, the system for mental health and emotional wellbeing needs to change as the outcomes for children, young people and families are not yet good enough. 

Suffolk has seen a genuine and concerted effort to shift the conversation around mental health over the last year.  At the heart of this has been the pioneering engagement process to develop a Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy #averydifferentconversation for the future of Suffolk. 

The objective of the Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Mental Health & Wellbeing project is to implement an integrated, system wide approach that enables all CYPF (0-25 years) in East and West Suffolk to have positive mental wellbeing, to enable them to flourish and lead rich and fulfilling lives.

This project will embed at a local level the Thrive Framework detailed in the 'East and West Suffolk Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing 10 Year Strategy (2019-2029) #averydifferentconversation’ 

The THRIVE Framework provides a set of principles for creating coherent and resource-efficient communities of mental health support for children, young people and families.  It aims to talk about mental health and mental health support in a common language that everyone understands.

The Framework is needs-led. This means that mental health needs are defined by children, young people and families alongside professionals through shared decision making. Needs are not based on severity, diagnosis, or health care pathways.

The THRIVE framework is for: 

• all children and young people aged 0–25 within a specified locality 
• all families and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 within a specified locality
• any professionals (whether staff in educational settings, social care, voluntary or health sectors or others) who seek to promote mental health awareness and help children and young people with mental health and wellbeing needs or those at risk of mental health difficulties.

In Suffolk we are also committed to the values of the Ideal Worker:

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