News Release, 28 February, 2002
The Mental Health Foundation has announced the launch of an in-depth consultation project investigating the needs of young people who are facing various kinds of mental health crises.
The number of young people experiencing mental health difficulties has risen over the last few years and community-based services are struggling to meet these increasing needs. It is estimated that the overall prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents could be as high as 30%.
Supported by The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, the project has been set up in response to the Mental Health Foundation's 'Turned Upside Down' report, published in 2001, which highlighted the need for a radical review of the current network of services.
"We shall be working directly with young people and evaluating the services that are available to them for a period of two years," said Alistair Cox, manager of the crisis project for young people at the Mental Health Foundation. "By concentrating on consulting with young people about their experiences we hope to be able to develop new approaches to mental health crises which will provide people with the support they need."
Four consultation workers will team up with local organisations and be responsible for the development of research in their area. Barnado's national research unit has been appointed as external evaluator of the project.
It is expected that the consultation work will make specific recommendations about the kinds of changes required in existing services and also generate ideas for future action. "Already highlighted is the need for Accident and Emergency departments to work more effectively with young people, following suicide attempts and self-harming, for example,"Alistair Cox said. "We are working with young people to explore how best this can be done, based on their own experiences."
Forty organisations applied to have a worker based in their area. The applications came from local authorities, health authorities and voluntary organisations.
The selected areas are:-
- Brighton and Hove, with the worker based at the local branch of MIND
- Cardiff, with the worker based with Barnado's Marlborough Road project
- Newcastle, with the worker based with the Streetwise Youth Project
- Glasgow, with the worker based at the Scottish office of the Mental Health Foundation.
One of the features of the programme in the first year is the commitment to setting up a national event where young people from all four regions will meet to compare their experiences and plan future action.
Return to news releases 2002
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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