Your Mind, Your Say: Young people’s views of mental health services in Dorset
We have been finding out about young people’s experiences of mental health services in Dorset, to inform the ongoing development of services in the county.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, we visited youth groups and local organisations across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset. We talked to young people who don’t always have a strong voice, including those excluded from school, young offenders, care leavers, young asylum seekers and young people who are experiencing homelessness.
Our report has made recommendations to help shape the development of mental health services for children and young people.
Key recommendations
- The most common concern raised was the amount of time that young people have to wait to access services; they would like to see much shorter waiting times. ‘Get to know you’ telephone sessions might be beneficial prior to one-to-one sessions, and this may help to alleviate the amount of time that young people have to wait.
- Several young people said that the setting in which they have their sessions is too clinical and makes them feel uncomfortable. They would prefer an environment where they are comfortable and feel safe.
- Many young people said that the support workers they see are constantly changing which slows down the care they receive. They would like to see the same support worker, who they are familiar with.
- Young people were frustrated about the limited number of sessions they are given. They felt that it takes time to feel comfortable talking to a support worker, and by the time they do feel comfortable they only have one or two sessions left. They would like to have an option to extend the amount of sessions.
Read our reports
If you would like either report in a different format, email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102.
File download
Full report - Your Mind, Your Say
Summary report - Your Mind, Your Say
