Stage 2: Planning

If there was one ‘take home’ message from Right Here with regards to planning processes, it would be the importance of planning for support which bridges the gap between child and adolescent services and adult services – specifically targeting the 16–25 age group. To do this, it will be necessary to look at new and innovative models and approaches.

Right Here’s Case studies of innovative approaches to improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing provides examples of how the evidence on ‘what works’ has been used to develop tailored responses¹. Additionally, the following suggestions may help you to consider how to plan for more youth-friendly mental health and wellbeing services:

Do

• Think broadly and creatively about what constitutes a mental health service and how personal health budgets can be used to support young people’s mental health needs.
• Consider commissioning for pathways of care that cross age barriers: for example, with early intervention in psychosis services.
• Persuade providers with delegated resources/local budgets to commission interventions that promote mental wellbeing and early intervention for this age group; for example, Sixth form and Further Education Colleges and Universities.
• Consider the role technology and social media can play.

don’t

• Be confined by traditional mental health service models.
• Ignore transitions between child and adult services. (The age range 16–25 deserves its own specific service focus for all the reasons described above.)
• Think of mental health in isolation from physical health and social wellbeing.
• Overlook the existing assets in your community. (Do find out what exists in the voluntary and community sectors and make connections.)