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World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It's a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in it.

In recognition of this special day, let us introduce you to Shanice Enoe, our tri-borough Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Crisis Pathway Operational Manager and Digital Lead.

Shanice plays an important role in shaping and delivering mental health care for children and young people in Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich, helping them to get the support they need in the community, avoiding unnecessary hospital stays.

Her commitment to patient care and understanding of the challenges young people face is clear.

Here, in her own words she shares a moving example of her time as a CAMHS inpatient nurse, supporting a young person in serious mental health crisis. Her approach, rooted in empathy, patience and belief in recovery, led to a strong therapeutic relationship and lasting positive outcomes. It’s a story that reflects not only her clinical skill but also her personal values and drive to make a difference.

Meet Shanice…

Since qualifying as a registered Mental Health Nurse, I’ve always had a special interest in maternal and child health and a deep admiration for how young people face the challenges in their lives. I wanted to play a role in supporting their recovery and resilience.

While working in inpatient CAMHS, I cared for a Black British teenager experiencing drug-induced psychosis. He had gang links and was very unwell, placed on a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) because of aggressive behaviour. Many staff felt uneasy working with him.

I spent time getting to know him and could see that his behaviour was driven by fear. He didn’t understand what was happening to him and was frightened by his symptoms and the environment. I built a strong relationship with him and his family and helped support him through recovery. He eventually moved to an open ward and was later discharged.

On that day, we celebrated together with his family, and we’ve since received updates on his progress, including a return visit. It’s a story I’ll always remember.

Shanice, and our CAMHS services, work hard every day to improve, adapt and develop the care we provide for children and young people with mental health issues. This includes piloting a 24/7 care model where we can see young people in crisis at any time, any day. This means quicker support in A&E, better access to care, and less pressure on emergency departments, all of which are in line with the NHS 10 year health plan for England.

Our new CAMHS Home Treatment Team also provides intensive community-based support to young people aged 12–18 who are in mental health crisis. It offers an alternative to hospital admission, helping young people at home when that’s the best option for them.