£9.4m Greater Manchester trial to bring mental health support into children’s social care

Thousands of children and young people involved with social care are expected to receive earlier mental health support through a new £9.4 million pilot in Greater Manchester.

The Care Together programme will place NHS mental health professionals within children’s social care teams in Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside. It is intended to replace fragmented services with faster, needs-led support, including family therapy and help for parents and primary caregivers.

Up to 7,000 children and young people could be covered by the scheme, alongside their parents, carers and guardians. Those potentially benefiting include children in care, care leavers, adopted children, children in need and those subject to child protection plans.

NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board will lead the three-year pilot with the participating councils. It is due to begin in early 2027 and run until 2029, with an evaluation examining whether the approach could be introduced elsewhere in England.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.

Register with The Daily Round for the latest sector news, inspections & reports, wellbeing content, workforce insights, expert features and practical updates—delivered free to your inbox.