Sian Tomos and Lyndsey Thomas
GISDA (Delivering in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board)
Background
The number of anxiety cases has increased among children and young people in Wales. Statistics show that 46% of children and young people (compared to 12% in 2015–16) who received counselling in Wales in 2022–23 had anxiety as their problem. (Welsh Government. (2024c) Counselling for children and young people: September 2022 to August 2023.)
50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics)
On average, our Housing Support project, which supports 32 individuals in accommodation, visits emergency departments once a month due to self-harm, suicide attempts, or young people who need urgent attention and are unable to keep themselves safe. (GISDA Statistics 24-25)
Aims and Objectives
To address the growing need for accessible mental health support for young people, by developing a young people’s wellbeing space. This innovative approach improves access to services, simplifies support pathways, and improves outcomes by bringing specialist agencies into a safe, youth-focused space. The project is intended to support statutory mental health services.
Approach
- Original Plan: Buy a property (a house in Bangor) for a dedicated “Alternative to Admission” centre.
- Challenges: Lack of capital funding to buy and adapt a new building and the timetable to achieve this.
- Offer: Use the Bangor cafe to run a pilot.
- 6 month pilot: Provide mental health services in four areas in Gwynedd offering support to young people aged 12-18.
Outcomes
- Providing support around the young person.
- Reducing waiting times.
- Improving access to support.
- Improving early intervention.
- Simplifying multi-agency support – health, social services, education, and the third sector.
- Empowering young people.
- Supporting families and carers.
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma.
- Promoting wellbeing and resilience.
Model Fi – A way of working to give the best results for young people
Available at the hubs
