The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health has issued a guide to help the NHS meet Government targets for early intervention services to boost young people's chances of recovery from mental illness.
Window of Opportunity suggests creating teams of NHS specialists to help young people with all aspects of their lives, including education and relationships, in addition to offering advice about how to react to early signs of illness. The guide will be sent to various NHS trusts and service providers.
"There can be no national blueprint for early intervention," said Matt Muijen, chief executive at the centre. "Local needs should determine how early intervention services are developed. It is important, though, that early intervention is done properly, and the guide offers practical help and advice."