My Voice Matters: The power of a youth-driven approach to children's mental health services

Our Trust was recently featured in an editorial by NHS Providers to highlight the work we do on coproduction and inclusion in our Children’s division.

The article took the form of a blog as part of Children’s Mental Health Week which ran this year from 5 February to 11 February 2024. “My Voice Matters” was the theme of this year’s Children’s Mental health Week focussing on how listening to young people’s perspectives is essential in providing care.

We were contacted by the editor of the article due to our exceptional work bringing patients in to collaborate in designing and delivering care for children and young people’s mental health.

The Humber Youth Action Group (HYAG) is an excellent example of our use of co-production in youth services. The HYAG provides an alternative support network for young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health. It also forms the basis of a sounding board for the Trust to lean on for their unique insights into how services are developed for young people.

Additionally, the HYAG has also been called upon to help within recruitment to enhance the Trust’s hiring processes. With one of the members stating, “One of my most memorable moments in the group is getting to sit on the interview panel for new health care assistants at the Inspire unit, as this was a very unique opportunity that I am very grateful for”.

Our Trust’s commitment to including the voice of young people in the services we run and the campaigns we promote helps shape the care we give. In the article, the reporter states, “Enabling children and young people to have a say in how they want to receive care and working with them as equal partners can help services better meet their needs and manage rising demand.”

To view the full article please see the link: My Voice Matters: The power of a youth-driven approach to children's mental health services - NHS Providers

For more information on the Humber Youth Action Group see Humber Youth Action Group