About SCYPF

With a career spanning NHS CAMHS, local authority, and voluntary sector Children’s Services, Liam has seen firsthand the challenges faced by professionals. “We often hear about the struggles in children’s mental health services, but not enough about solutions,” he says.

The evidence-based training programme is delivered non-judgementally, Liam understands that some professionals come to work in Children's Services from other areas, or may be new to the workforce; "People who choose to spend their time supporting Children, Young People and Families are incredible people who want to make a difference". The training caters to various levels of experience and confidence, with staff able to book on to modules that will most suit them. 

The training programme is based on Supporting Children Young People and Families CYPMHS Competency Framework (download here) (adapted from University College London and NHS Scotland's work in 2011). It gives all professionals a strong foundation in working with children and families, developing key mental health understanding and skills, before advancing to specialised modules on working therapeutically with children and families affected by abuse and trauma, and in mental health crisis.

With one in three child psychiatry posts vacant (The Guardian 2024) and waiting times as long as two years (Children’s Commissioner for England, 2024), many services lack the capacity to train and retain staff effectively. SCYPF’s training helps bridge this gap, ensuring professionals feel supported and prepared to deliver high-quality care. “Better-trained staff provide better services,” Liam adds. “They’re also more likely to stay in their roles, boosting team morale and help with staff retention.”

Liam also lends his experience in Children’s Mental Health service management and commissioning, where he has achieved tangible improvements in outcomes, leading two services to reduce average waiting times from over 9 months, to less than 3, one of which received national recognition, as he provides bespoke guidance for system leaders seeking strategic improvements in children’s mental health services. Find out more here.