21 June 2026

The CAMHS Under 5 Service is now officially co-located in Queen’s Park Family Hub, bringing CAMHS and Family Practitioners together as one team.

You know two teams are going to work well together when both leads meet for the first time and end up wearing the same thing!... But it was clear the teams’ bond goes beyond a 2-for-1 deal on clothes, and into something more meaningful - a joint team that doesn’t stick to their respective organisations but comes together as one community, putting the wellbeing of their patients first.

The two teams celebrated their new partnership in style, with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Karen Scarborough, and Cllr for Queen’s Park, Patricia McAllister in attendance.

The Lord Mayor opened with a heartfelt speech, talking about her passion for young people’s health:

“What we’re celebrating today really matters for Westminster - for all the families and young people in this community who need exactly this kind of support and need it right here on their doorstep. None of this happens by accident, of course. It takes dedication, collaboration, and a lot of hard work from a great many people. So I want to take a moment to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has played a part in bringing this specialist service to Queen’s Park."

"You should all be very proud of what you’ve made happen here. Family hubs are at their best when they’re exactly that - a place where families can find everything they need, all in one space, without the barriers that so often get in the way of getting help, and adding this dedicated CAMHS offer to this hub is a real step forward.”

The CAMHS Under 5 team are already located in four family hubs across Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. The Queen’s Park Family Hub marks an important expansion. Director of CAMHS, Andrea Shand said, “Let’s push on to open the next one.”

Hearing stories from staff about the difference co-location makes shows why that goal is a worthy one.

Cardyn Ross, Family Practitioner, talked about when she first met the team at another family hub. She talked about how CAMHS went from this far away service to simply knowing them by name. Instead of referring to CAMHS, it’s “let’s talk to Kate, Julie or Monica.”

“I remember the first family that we supported when CAMHS joined our hub. I saw the mum recently and she said, ‘is that lady there?’, meaning Kate [Waltham, Psychotherapist]. She had to give up work because of difficulties but shared how she is now back working."

"What I’m professionally most grateful for is Kate’s time creating a reflective space to think about family, make sense of complex family dynamics like parent/child attachment and managing dysregulation. This support has even stopped referrals to CAMHS because we as a family hub can make the difference the family needs. Personally I really value that I can talk to Kate about the emotional impact of our cases, because we hear very challenging stuff. CAMHS Under 5 should be in every family hub.”

It’s not only Kate that had glowing reviews, Susan Wright, Early Years Family Practitioner, said:

“Sara from CAMHS is not just observing or staying within her own team, she’s sweeping the sand, getting involved and playing games.”

Karene, Early Years Educator from Bayswater Family Hub, explained:

“Having CAMHS with us has enhanced my role because I can make a deeper connection to the families I meet.”

It’s not an opening without cake, the Lord Mayor did the honours and went above and beyond ensuring everyone got a piece!

A special thanks to Julie Bithell, Lead for CAMHS Under 5 Service, for organising this event.

CNWL is focused on delivering expert care closer to home wherever possible. As CNWL continues this local innovation, keep an eye out for updates across our channels. This November, join us as we celebrate Community Services Month.