Co-producing change: the mental health needs and experiences of young people in the bi-borough
On 29 November, Healthwatch Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea hosted a hybrid co-production event with representatives from local authority, mental health professionals, and service users to share our findings from our recent report on young people’s (aged 18-25) mental health, ‘Don’t presume we are fine just because we look OK,’ and to explore next steps.
During the event, our Team presented an overview of the results, findings, and general recommendations from our recently published report. We were joined by an Engagement Lead from online mental health platforms Kooth and Qwell, who presented an overview of common mental health experiences, coping strategies, free, safe, anonymous online assistance for youth and young adults, as well as self-help resources. For our final presentation, the Mental Health Pathway Lead for Central Northwest London (CNWL) gave an overview of the current mental health support model. She also shared information on online resources, grants, and volunteer opportunities for parents, carers, and youth, aimed at improving the interfaces and transitions between mental health services for young people.
As part of our joint effort to develop next steps and explore broader topics surrounding young people’s mental health, we held stimulating discussions between presentations. There were several key points to address based on the findings from our project, including improving access to mental health services, reducing waiting times, expanding employment and training of staff to meet high demand, implementing community-centered care, and improving support for young people with complex and acute mental health needs.
Our discussions & feedback
First, the group discussed: ‘how can mental health providers improve access to mental health services for young people?’ Among the responses, attendees commented about raising the standard of care for complex mental health cases; reviewing the eligibility requirements for mental health support; enhancing system navigation and resource awareness; enhancing patient satisfaction with mental health services so that seeking assistance is encouraged; addressing stigma; broadening the scope of care; enhancing parent and youth communication; and acknowledging the variety of needs of young patients.
The other question we posed was: ‘How can mental health providers work better with young people’s community support systems?’ Attendees talked about the importance of promoting more open conversations in public spaces to tackle mental health stigma; involving young people in mental health events and meetings; integrating mental health teams with school-based services and staff; broadening the scope of services; augmenting financial resources for educational institutions to assist adolescents with complex mental health needs; and better engaging family and support networks and providing resources on supporting a young person who is seeking or receiving mental health treatment.
Going forward: monitoring change
Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington and Chelsea will continue to share the findings from the project at various meetings with partners in the community, local authorities and healthcare services, and monitor the progress of the recommendations included in the report. We will also share the additional information from the coproduction event with relevant services, and work to ensure they are used to improve care. Professionals who attended the event have already noted how they will use some of the feedback shared to make services more accessible, and this is something Healthwatch will follow up on.
To further monitor any emerging health and social care issues among young people, particularly within vulnerable subgroups, we also intend to maintain our close collaboration with our Advisory Boards, community organisation partners, local authority stakeholders, mental health services, and our Young Healthwatch network.
If you would like to hear more about the project or get involved in our work, please email info@healthwatchwestminster.org.uk or info@healthwatchrbkc.org.uk.
