Your voice, your health Camden series: Mental Health

Healthwatch Camden set out to explore the health concerns of young people between the ages of 13-24 years in Camden, in three key areas, including mental health.  They spoke to 34 young people via focus groups in July 2023.

This exploration into the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Camden has revealed a landscape marked by diverse perspectives and unmet needs. By providing a snapshot analysis of the current mental health experience of young people in Camden, this study highlights the spectrum of understandings and experiences among young people about their mental health and well-being. It puts forward future hopes and needs for public policy in improving mental health outcomes, as identified by the young people. 

There is a need for effective communication and accessibility of mental health resources. The young people Healthwatch spoke with demonstrated a lack of sufficient knowledge about the range of services available to them, and a sense of uncertainty and difficulty in navigating these services if needed. The impact of societal stigma as a significant barrier to open discussions about mental health and help-seeking behaviours needs to be addressed. 

The crucial role of personal relationships and social support networks was evident in how young people cope with mental health issues. The diverse coping strategies, ranging from sports and creative activities to reliance on faith and spirituality, demonstrate the individual nature of mental health management. These findings echo the importance of a population health approach, underpinned in the Camden health and wellbeing strategy, to achieving positive health outcomes for young people. The state of mental health in young people in Camden reflects the intersection of the ‘four pillars’ in driving health outcomes. 

Policy can go further in recognising the intersectional identities of young people growing up in a diverse and dynamic borough like Camden. It must inform calls for partnerships to work together and focus on prevention and well-being. Healthwatch analysis suggests that while efforts have been made to provide a diverse range of mental health support, the approach often lacks personalisation and empathetic understanding. Administrative hurdles, lengthy waiting times, and the daunting transition from child to adult services can exacerbate the challenges faced by young people seeking support. It is vital to continuously engage with young individuals and stakeholders to understand their evolving mental health needs. Innovating services and interventions that speak to these needs can provide a significant opportunity for policy makers to foster a mental health environment that is more supportive, understanding, and effective for the young people of Camden.