Mental health services for young people in Dorset have failed to improve

Healthwatch Dorset's latest survey's identified key aspects of young people’s mental health services that need addressing

Author: Jamie GuerraPublished 1st Nov 2023

Healthwatch Dorset has found that mental health services have not improved since the pandemic.

In their latest report, they learned that young people were put off by how long they had to wait to access services.

Additionally they say young people want consistent support from the same mental health professionals as this helps build trust and rapport.

Louise Bate, manager of Healthwatch Dorset, said: “It's really important that we listen to young people and design services around them, so there needs to be more investment in support workers so that young people can see the same person.”

The findings and recommendations were based on ‘in-depth conversations’ with 23 young people from “groups who do not always have a strong voice”.

This included young people who have experienced trauma, young refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, those who are outside of mainstream school, young offenders and previously looked after children.

One of the recommendations regarded “post-treatment check-ups” to ensure young people to feel supported,

The 23 young people also expressed a preference for familiar, safe environments over clinical settings, highlighting the need for comfort during mental health support.

Louise Bate said: “Young people told us that sometimes they find it quite difficult to talk face to face about difficult things, so it would really help them if they had like an activity to do at the same time.”

Although Healthwatch Dorset are encouraged to see more young people keen to open-up and talk about their mental health problems, the report emphasised the importance of tailored advice and recognising that each individual’s needs vary.

Louise concluded: “Young people want to be listened to and treated as an individual.”

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