Young People’s ServiceLeigh Wallbank, YP Programme Manager

Overview

www.rethink.org

• Growing range of activities run with young people

•Range from universal services, ie, provision of information resources and mental health awareness in schools, to targeted work with young people at risk of mental health problems or those recovering from mental illness.

•Our activities are, none clinical, social interventions

•Currently work is fully funded

•Some national work and some regional specific work (London, East Midlands and Bournemouth/Dorset)

www.rethink.org

Current Work/Programmes

• Online information resource (www.rethink.org/young_people)• Mental Health Awareness (London and some regions)• Emotional Health and Wellbeing (London and some regions)• Leadership programmes (London and some regions)• Recovering Learning (London and some regions)• Peer to Peer support work (London and some regions)• Young siblings – national programme • Young carers – national programme• Peri-natal work (Derby) • Supported Housing (18-30 year olds – Bournemouth) • Time to Change - Children and Young People’s programme

www.rethink.org

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness sessions • One hour sessions • Cover:

– What is mental health?– How can I look after my mental health?– What are the signs of mental illness ?– What should I do if I am worried about my own or someone

else’s mental health or emotional wellbeing?

• Provide a chance to ask questions and challenge misconceptions

• Mainly delivered in schools and colleges

www.rethink.org

Emotional Health and Wellbeing Programmes

• Early intervention programmes • Delivered (where possible) in social settings • Four – Six sessions per programme • Aims:

– To help young people understand what emotional health and wellbeing is and what it means for them

– To help young people learn new techniques to looking after their own emotional health

– To help young people build their confidence• Referrals from schools, EI and CAMHS teams• Outcomes evaluated using the Recovery Star tool (a tool that enables yp

to assess their current position and assess progress over time in ten recovery-related life dimensions)

www.rethink.org

Leadership Programmes

• Early intervention programmes / or part of a recovery learning course

• 2 day programme • Delivered (where possible) in social settings• Aims

– Identify characteristics of a leader – Identify their own leadership skills – Learn new techniques and skills – such as public speaking,

digital media skills or using the arts to communicate – Build confidence and self esteem

• Referrals - schools, EI and CAMHS Teams – but by preference delivered following an EHWB or recovery learning prog

www.rethink.org

Recovering Learning andPeer to Peer support work

Recovering Learning • Part of the original programme, are run less often now, but can

deliver if demand required• Work with young people who have experienced their first episode of

psychosis • 3 month programme • Social intervention

Peer to Peer support work • Four session programme to upskill young people who have been

through one of our programmes, in order to provide peer support to current programme attendees

www.rethink.org

Young Carers In Focus

• Partnership with the Children’s Society • Support young carers who are in hidden groups ( ie BME

groups, carers of parents with mental health problems etc)

• Give young carers a voice - through the use of social media

• Give young carers an opportunity to join tailored emotional health and leadership programmes

• Young Carers Festival ( end of June)

www.rethink.org

Siblings, Peri-natal and Supported Housing

• Targeted programmes • Tailor the original, evaluated, uthink model for working with young

people with specific needs or requirements • All programmes are currently being piloted and will be evaluated as

part of this

www.rethink.org

Evaluation

• Original young people’s programme (uthink) pilot was evaluated by the university of central Lancashire they found that programmes (emotional health and wellbeing, recovery learning and leadership): – improved knowledge and understanding of how to manage and

promote their own emotional and mental wellbeing.– strengthened the ability to form and maintain social networks– Improved the sense of identity, self-esteem, feelings of trust and

hope, and improved confidence to engage in work or education• We continue to evaluate all programmes using recovery start

www.rethink.org

Other activities

Young Mental Health Champions • Trained and Supported • Can advise on a range of issues and provide a valuble

contribution to service and resource development, evaluations and review

Wide range of information and resources online• google: Rethink Young People

www.rethink.org

Time to Change

• Run by Rethink Mental Illness and Mind •  Biggest attempt yet in England to end the discrimination that

surrounds mental health• Adult and young people’s strands • Young People’s strand now up and running with pilot in Birmingham • Participation of children, young people, and families through panels

and advisory groups • Social marketing• Education programme• Community engagement; activities and events

Find out more : www.time-to-change.org.uk

www.rethink.org

Get in Touch

• We are always keen to meet new people and develop new partnerships, so please get in touch: – If you know someone ( or a group) who would benefit from a

programme or info session – If you would like to work with us, or – Would just like to know more about mental health or our services

• Email youngpeople@rethink.org / Leigh.Wallbank@rethink.org

• Visit : www.rethink.org/young_people

www.rethink.org

Thank You