SPoA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can SPoA help me?
Specially-trained staff will look at the information in your referral and, based on this information, make an informed decision about which service can offer the best possible help for you, or the young person you have referred. Please note: e-wellbeing and the SPoA Admin Team do not provide assessments or treatment. This will only be offered by YES Service, SPFT CAMHS, YMCA Dialogue, or another service if it has been decided this is the most helpful option for you.
What other services could my referral go to?
Sometimes, the team might decide that a service outside the SPOA is most likely to meet your needs. However, if you would not like to be referred to any of these services, please email spft.westsussexspoa@nhs.net.
The services you may be referred to include:
What happens after I submit a referral?
The SPoA team of specially trained staff look through the information in each referral, as well as other information on their system that is relevant to the child or young person.
They will review your referral within 72 hours. If a SPOA clinician feels a phone call is required upon review of the referral, they will call from a withheld number. SPOA will contact you with a referral outcome letter outlining any onward steps and/or recommendations for support. This letter may take a couple of weeks to be sent to you.
Who will see my information and is it kept safe?
SPoA takes confidentiality very seriously and will only share your information if it is needed to get you the right support.
So that an informed decision can be made about the best place for your support, your information will be shared with YES Service, YMCA Dialogue, and SPFT CAMHS. If you are a young person and we are worried about your safety, we may also share your information with:
- Your doctor/GP
- Your parent/carer
- Your school
- Children's Social Care (West Sussex Integrated Front Door)
If you are under 13, you must have your parent or carer's consent to fill out the referral form. This is explained in the form.
What happens if I don't agree with the decision SPoA has made?
The SPoA team does their best to decide what help will be most helpful for you, or the young person you are supporting, based on the information given in the form and research about emotional wellbeing and mental health. However, if you disagree with a decision we have made, you can contact spft.westsussexspoa@nhs.net.
Can SPoA offer support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
If you are a parent of a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you can find support at:
Please note: SPoA does not offer assessments for neurodiverse conditions, such as Autism and ADHD.
What if I need help filling out the form?
If you would like to speak to staff member who can help you complete the form, please email spft.westsussexspoa@nhs.net to request a call back. Please include your name and contact number in the email. The SPoA Team will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you have any technical difficulties filling in the form please email e-wellbeing@ymcadlg.org.
Where can I give feedback about the form?
You can share your feedback about the online form by clicking here.
If you would like to make a complaint, here is how you can contact SPoA:
- Email: spft.pals@nhs.net
- Phone: 0300 304 2198 (Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm)
