Community CAMHS provider collaborative

In North Central London (NCL), we are dedicated to improving Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to make them more connected, accessible, and effective for children and young people across the region. 

Currently, four NHS trusts deliver these essential services, each bringing their own expertise and innovation. However, we recognise that the system can sometimes feel complex, and too many young people are struggling to access the right support for their needs. Our goal is to deliver better outcomes for children and families by simplifying our services and enhancing collaboration between NCL servcies. 

To achieve this, we are working towards creating a Community CAMHS Provider Collaborative—a new, more integrated approach that will improve how services work together. By strengthening collaboration across NCL, we aim to create clearer pathways to care with a focus on providing the highest quality, child-centered support and reducing inefficiencies.  

What is the current status?

At present, the Community CAMHS Provider Collaborative is in its shadow form, with work already underway to lay the foundations for this new model. It is important to note that this initiative is subject to approval by the NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB) in September 2025. Pending approval, the collaborative is planned to be fully operational by 1st April 2026. 

What's changing?

The proposed collaborative will bring together the following NHS trusts in NCL: 

  • North London Foundation Trust (NLFT) – Lead Provider 

  • The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust 

  • Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust 

  • Whittington Health NHS Trust 

With NLFT acting as the lead provider, the collaborative will be coordinated across NCL to ensure consistent, high-quality services. Subject to approval from the NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB), NLFT will oversee commissioning and coordination, while each participating trust continues to deliver care as usual. 

Importantly, this new model will not require any staff transfers. All staff will remain employed by their current organisations, but will have the opportunity to collaborate across different trusts and develop new skills. Decision-making within the collaborative will be driven by consensus, with input from clinical and operational leaders across the system, as well as feedback from children, young people, and their families. 

Why is this important?

This initiative aims to make accessing mental health support easier for families, with clearer services and better outcomes for children and young people. It also offers new opportunities for staff to collaborate, share expertise, and work within a more coordinated system. 

This development is designed to enhance and accelerate the improvements already underway in CAMHS, working alongside local authorities and other community partners to ensure that care remains rooted in local communities, while benefiting from a more joined-up approach across NCL. 

We are excited about the potential of this new way of working and the positive impact it will have on the young people and families who rely on these vital services. 

Next steps

The collaborative is in its shadow form until September 2025, when the NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB) will make its final decision. Once approved, the new model will be fully operational by 1st April 2026 . We will continue to share updates as things progress. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us:  

  • Sisa Moyo , Director of Transformation at North London Foundation Trust
         sisamoyo@nhs.net  

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