Empowering Youth Voices: Essential Mental Health Care Tips from Young People

Young people in Sussex are stepping up to improve mental health care with a new initiative. This program, run by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, seeks to create specialized home care, reducing the need for hospital admissions.

Dr. Anna Moriarty, the CAMHS associate clinical director, emphasized the importance of feedback from young people. Many express a desire for alternatives to hospital stays. They want to stay close to family, friends, and keep up with their education during tough times.

Two former service users, Evie and Dulcie, play vital roles in shaping this initiative. Evie reflected on her six-month hospital stay, saying that insights from peers could have made her experience better. Dulcie believes that those who have navigated the system can help improve it for others.

This innovative approach aligns with recent findings from a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, which reported that over 30% of young people struggle with mental health issues. The emphasis on peer support in mental health care isn’t just beneficial; it fosters understanding and empathy.

As we learn from these young voices, it’s clear that involving service users leads to improvements that resonate on a personal level. This project not only aims to enhance mental health services in Sussex but serves as a model for inclusive practices in the broader health community.

For more insights on mental health initiatives, you can visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website.



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Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust,Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services,specialist care,CAMHS,mental health,BBC Radio Sussex