New CAMHS Service Model Awarded to MPFT

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is pleased to announce that Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has been awarded the contract to deliver a new model of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) across the county, following the conclusion of the formal procurement process.

This follows a rigorous, transparent and legally compliant commissioning process under the national Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The process was designed to secure a service that better meets the needs of children, young people and families with a redesigned specification, shaped by extensive public engagement, and a renewed focus on early help, accessibility and joined-up care.

While MPFT is the current provider of CAMHS locally, this contract award represents a fundamentally new service model, developed in response to what children, young people, families and professionals told us they need. The service will be delivered using existing funding, but with a redesigned approach to ensure the best possible outcomes and value for money.

Gemma Smith, Director of Commissioning for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said:

“This is not a continuation of the previous service, it’s a new and different model, designed from the ground up with input from hundreds of children, young people, parents, carers and professionals. We’re pleased that MPFT has been selected through the formal procurement process and look forward to working with them to deliver a service that is easier to access, more responsive, and better connected across our health and care system.”

Cathy Riley, Managing Director for MPFT’s Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Care Group, added:

“We are enormously proud to have been chosen to deliver this new CAMHS model in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. As the existing CAMHS provider locally, we’re delighted to continue to provide this hugely important service to children, young people and families in the years ahead. We also recognise the importance of continuous improvement in meeting local needs, which we know have changed significantly in recent years. We’re committed to working closely with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, local partners and our communities to deliver a service that reflects the priorities and experiences of children, young people and families, with a focus on enhancing accessibility and early support, delivering truly integrated care.”

What this means for children, young people and families

The refreshed CAMHS model will bring a number of improvements over time, including:

• Easier access and navigation through a single point of referral, a dedicated triage team and an online digital screening and information tool to help users understand available services and self-assess needs.
• Faster support, with reduced waiting times and interim help while awaiting specialist care.
• Joined-up care, supported by a shared digital system and cross-agency information sharing.
• Support through transitions, with services now covering ages 0–25 and proactive planning from age 16.
• Flexible, inclusive care, including online, face-to-face, outreach and multilingual options.
• Stronger focus on prevention, early help and personalised support.
• Ongoing monitoring, with follow-up for discharged individuals and fast-track re-access if needed.
• Improved communication, signposting and engagement with families and professionals.

Next steps

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and MPFT will now begin the mobilisation phase, with the refreshed service expected to go live by 1 April 2026. Some elements of the new model will be in place from 1 April 2026, while others will be introduced and embedded gradually as part of a three-year transformation programme. Further communications will be shared with patients, families, schools, and professionals to support a smooth transition.

For more information on the CAMHS re-procurement process, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, please visit: Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin