The team provides a specialist mental health service to
young people aged 16 and 17 years in Derby. The ethos of
the team is reaching out to young people in distressed and
vulnerable circumstances, who may be at a point of
transition in their lives. There is a “no waiting” policy,
supported by specialist service weekly triage, and robust
multi-agency support, advice, consultation and training,
with young people being helped by a network of
professionals. The views of young people inform the
development of the service through two user groups and
the team uses performance data to identify gaps and
improve service delivery.
A target of 50 referrals in the first 12 months has been
exceeded from a wide spectrum of agencies including GPs.
The range of agencies now referring reflects its credibility,
regard and responsiveness. Partnerships have been
essential to the success of the service, including links with
the Millennium project to support the Black and Minority
Ethic community. Staff also feel the benefits of the project,
being able to use the team resources in a creative and
imaginative way, capitalising on a diverse skill mix.
Young people are re-engaging positively in the future, by
recognising and understanding more about their own
mental health. Some of them would like to express their
views about the service: “You’re amazing and I want to say
thank you.” “It feels like there is someone to talk to about
my problems and I’ve never felt like I had anyone to turn to
for help before.” “I might not show it, but sometimes just
escaping the demons from my house gives me relief, sitting
in the room is like a bit of peace away from the chaos at
home.” And parents like it too: “thanks for your help and
support to help turn things around.” And “Thanks for
seeing us so quickly.”
For more information on this project, please contact:
Jackie.Colley@derby.gov.uk
