Transforming mental health crisis care for children and young people – MARRS
The Multi Agency Rapid Response Service (MARRS) project represents a groundbreaking multi-agency approach in Cornwall to supporting children and young people (CYP) in mental health crisis.
Impact
- 653 children and young people supported in one year.
- Reduced hospital admissions by providing an early, holistic response in the community.
- Integrated health and social care response improving collaboration and outcomes.
- Staff-informed improvements enhancing workforce experience and service quality.
- Spread. Findings and learning were presented at multiple forums (e.g. Devon Health and Wellbeing Board, South West Paediatric Mental Health Meeting) sparking interest from other regions interested in replicating the model.
Project summary
The Multi Agency Rapid Response Service (MARRS) is a collaborative initiative between Cornwall Council and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. It brings together health and social care teams to deliver rapid, integrated responses that prioritise early intervention and community-based support for children and young people (CYP) experiencing mental health crises.
Replacing previous crisis services, MARRS aims to reduce hospital admissions by intervening early and enabling CYP to remain safely at home. Supported by Health Innovation South West through evaluation, data analysis and implementation planning, the project has already supported over 653 CYP and has enhanced service delivery through intelligence-led improvements, staff engagement and system-wide learning. MARRS is a leading example of shifting care from hospital to community.
Rationale
The MARRS project was established to address the rising number of CYP in Cornwall presenting in mental health crises, many of whom present repeatedly, are sometimes placed in unsuitable care and are subject to a perceived high use of the Mental Health Act, while also addressing the challenges of fragmented cross-agency working and a lack of integrated, responsive crisis care.
In response, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Partnership NHS FT Trust developed MARRS to deliver a coordinated, multi-agency service, focused on early, intensive intervention. Health Innovation South West supported the service model, identifying key recommendations, enabling their implementation, and helping to embed data-driven system-wide improvements to better support young people in crisis.
Key stakeholders
- Health Innovation South West conducted the original evaluation of MARRS, facilitated the development of an implementation plan, delivered additional data analysis and supported the sharing of best practice and learning across the region.
- Cornwall Council is the co-lead on the delivery of MARRS, contributing social care expertise, resource and staff to the integrated crisis response service.
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the co-lead on the delivery of MARRS, providing clinical oversight, mental health professionals and access to healthcare services.
- MARRS Leadership Team is responsible for operational delivery, implementation of evaluation recommendations and ongoing development and improvement of the service.
Next steps
The MARRS leadership team will now focus on sustaining and embedding the progress made during the implementation phase, maintaining a continuous quality improvement approach.
While formal Health Innovation South West support has concluded, the foundations have been laid for ongoing internal development and potential for future scale and spread.
