Peer Education/Research

What is the Project?

CAMHS/Mental Health Research Project
The project is made up of two stages. Stage 1 is the research stage, and stage 2 is the youth participation stage.

Stage 1:
The first stage of the project will involve consultation and research to establish young people’s experiences and viewpoints around mental health and the services available to them.

FYA will conduct a series of focus groups with young people around many of the issues outlined above.  At least 50 young people will be involved in these focus group discussions held at a range of different venues throughout Camden eg. schools, youth clubs etc...

Stage 2:

The second stage of the project will involve young people in producing media outputs around their views and experiences of mental health through the production a special edition of the Camden ‘On Road’ youth magazine devoted to mental health and the production of a video film.

 

What is the need for the project?

Lack of awareness among young people about mental health and issues that can impact on their mental health

There is a stigma about seeking help to improve mental health

Agencies providing mental health services would like to involve young people more in finding out what they think of the services on offer and deciding how services should be made available to young people.

 

When did the project start?

November 2009

 

What are the benefits of the project?

Provide an opportunity for young people to identify and express their experiences, concerns and needs around mental health.

 

Generate ideas from young people on how mental health services could be improved in terms of content, delivery and communication.

 

Improve awareness among adults, in particular policy makers and practitioners, about the impact of mental health problems on the lives of young people.

 

Educate young people about the meaning of mental health and build their knowledge about the causes and effects of issues associated with mental health.

 

Increase awareness about services available to young people.
reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

 

Who is the project open to?

The project will work with young people aged 13-19 year olds who live or study in the London Borough of Camden.  The project will include young people who access services which address various issues associated with mental health but will also include young people accessed through youth and community organisations.

 

Where can I get more info?

Contact Donovan at Fitzrovia Youth in Action.