HEE and We Can Talk learning tool which supports the delivery of care to children and young people is shortlisted for two national awards

Health Education England's (HEE) and Healthy Teen Mind’s ‘We Can Talk fundamentals of compassionate care' an online learning tool, aimed at all healthcare staff working in acute hospitals and who want to improve the experience of children and young people in a mental health crisis, has been shortlisted for the 2021 Nursing Times awards. The programme has been nominated in two categories, Urgent and Emergency Care and Children’s Services.  

This open access training is co-produced by young people, hospital staff and mental health professionals and is designed to improve the knowledge, skills, and confidence of any member of staff who see children and young people in their role.  

Over 15,000 people from more than 200 NHS trusts have accessed the We Can Talk learning tool between May 2020 and July 2021, including nearly 6,000 acute hospital staff and thousands of colleagues from across the children and young people’s mental health system, including CAMHS, voluntary and social care sectors.  

Hospital staff have 82% completion rate with 98% of users reporting the training will make a moderate or significant difference in the way they do their jobs, and 99% reporting they would recommend it to a colleague. 

Elaine Bowden, HEE National Mental Health Programme Lead, said:  

“We are delighted this initiative has been shortlisted twice for the 2021 Nursing Times awards, it is evident that this programme has made a real difference to the development of healthcare staff and improved the experience of children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis. Going forward we aim to continue to work in partnership with everyone at We Can Talk to ensure the delivery of high-quality compassionate care for children and young people in a mental health crisis.” 

If you would like to access the learning platform, visit the We Can Talk website. The winners will be announced on 27 October 2021.