Young people's views and experiences of emotional wellbeing support in Northamptonshire

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook research on young people's emotional wellbeing and access to mental health support. They spoke to 749 young people aged 11 to 19 between April and August 2018. Young people rated their emotional wellbeing at an average of 6.2 out of 10, with boys reporting higher levels of wellbeing than girls. Around 38% said they had needed support for their emotional wellbeing, while 62% said they knew where to go to access help. ]

The most important factor for young people was knowing where to go for support. Many reported difficulties accessing services, particularly CAMHS, with 43% of those who had used CAMHS saying it was hard or very hard to access. Long waiting times were the most common challenge, followed by a lack of support, poor follow-up and difficulties finding the right service. Some young people also felt their concerns were not taken seriously or that they did not meet service criteria despite needing help. 

Young people said they would like more self-help tools, stress management support, resilience-building activities and basic counselling. Support delivered in schools was by far the preferred option, with over 60% saying they would most like to access support there. Many also valued having someone they could trust and talk to, particularly through one-to-one support rather than group-based services. 

Healthwatch Northamptonshire recommended developing a self-help service co-designed with young people, increasing mental health support in schools and colleges, reviewing waiting times for wellbeing services, particularly CAMHS, and ensuring that young people's views continue to influence the design and delivery of mental health services across Northamptonshire.