The health of Children and Younger People in our Neighbourhoods – Lincoln Healthcare Partnership (LHP)

What we set out to achieve

To gather feedback from children and young people in Lincoln – aged 0–19 or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities and their families who are registered with Brayford Medical Practice or Heart of Lincoln Medical Group sites.

The engagement explored a new local approach where GPs work more closely with hospital and community paediatricians to provide extra health and care support for children and young people who need it most. The aim is to improve access to care, help families keep up with appointments, and reduce avoidable visits to Accident and Emergency and other urgent services.

This work is part of a wider NHS England programme requiring Integrated Care Boards to establish at least one Children and Young People (CYP) Neighbourhood Health Team by 31 March 2026, with Lincolnshire using local data and evidence to decide where to introduce the model first.

What we did

Between 17 February and 17 March 2025, we launched a public survey, staff survey and visited 3 community groups.  

We focussed our engagement on asking 3 key questions:

• Do you think there are any gaps in health services for children and young people.
• Do you think there is anything health related that children and young people are particularly struggling with in the local area at the moment?
• Is there anything that would improve the quality of life for children and young people in the area and how did they think the NHS might be able to help.
• Would they be interested in being involved further with the project.  

Here’s how we reached people:

• We produced a public survey, staff survey and a template survey for capturing feedback when speaking to individuals/attending groups.
• A public facing poster with QR codes and links to the survey was distributed to relevant groups, venues, professionals working within this area.
• Targeted children and younger people groups within this area.
• Visited 3 community groups within this area speaking to a total of 13 parents/grandparents and 7 staff.
• 1 public survey response and 15 staff survey responses.
• Shared the findings prior to the pilot with the Children and Young People Transformation Board.

What you told us

Families and staff views on perceived gaps in services/struggles for children and young people

The feedback highlights several key gaps and struggles in children and young people’s health and care in Lincolnshire.  

• Mental health support shortfalls, including long waits for CAMHS, limited out‑of‑hours provision, and poor continuity through pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.
• Insufficient SEND and neurodevelopmental support, particularly for autism, ADHD, and complex or chronic conditions.
• Limited access to therapies and equipment, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and timely wheelchair provision.
• Poor transitions from paediatric to adult services, resulting in loss of support and disrupted care. Delays in early diagnosis, especially for asthma, ASD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Inadequate support for managing common and complex conditions, such as sensory processing difficulties, dyspraxia, tics/Tourette’s, ODD, PANDAS/PANS, and functional neurological disorders.
• Gaps in preventative and community services, including weight management, vaccinations, dental care, drop‑in clinics, and social interaction opportunities.
• Barriers to access, including long A&E waits, language barriers, and inequities for some families.
• Under‑promoted and fragmented services, leading to confusion about what help is available and how to access it.
• Lack of clear, accessible information for parents, particularly around child development, feeding, and managing common childhood illnesses.
• Families and staff views on Improvements required in respect of improving the quality of life for children and young people
  
• Improved access to mental health support for children, young people and families, including earlier help and ongoing emotional support.
• Stronger, more accessible primary care, with options to discuss minor ailments early and avoid unnecessary escalation.
• Timely referrals and faster access to specialists, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
  Enhanced workforce training, particularly around ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Better coordination and joined‑up working across services, ensuring families experience seamless care.
  Increased investment and expanded local paediatric services, tailored to community needs.
• Growth of support networks and family hubs, offering informal, trusted spaces for advice and connection.
• More inclusive and preventative community programmes, such as opt‑in 2‑year health checks, drop‑in weighing clinics, and child‑friendly First Aid sessions.
• Stronger promotion and uptake of vaccinations, improving prevention and public health confidence.
• Continued and enhanced support for non‑English‑speaking families and those with SEND, improving equity, inclusion, and access to services.

The difference it’s made

Feedback from this engagement informed and shaped the Children and Young People Neighbourhood Health pilot for Lincoln Health Partnership how future services will be delivered.

The engagement report was considered by the Children and Young People Transformation Board. Stakeholders are fully informed and aware of the challenges faced by children and young people and where improvements are needed.

The aim will be to share findings and roll this pilot out across other areas in Lincolnshire in the future.

What’s next

The Children and Young People Transformation Board will continue to meet regularly to monitor and support the implementation of the pilot.