Young people have a say in mental health care (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Young people have a say in mental health care

12:50pm Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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YOUNG people with complex and severe mental health problems helped to recruit a new assistant director of child and adolescent mental health services.

Prospective candidates were interviewed by young service users who volunteered to sit on a panel.

They were instrumental in the appointment of Linda Kellie by 5 Borough Partnership Trust.

Dr Steve Fuller, clinical lead of child and adolescent mental health services, said: “Young people are actively involved in what the service that they receive looks like.

“We consult them on everything from what we should call our buildings to who we should appoint at senior level.”

In recognition of its commitment to imaginative and inclusive practice, the trust has been awarded Investing in Children (IiC) membership status for Halton and Warrington.

Each of the trust’s five boroughs, including Halton, has an IiC group which meets regularly.

Dr Fuller said: “This gives a voice to young people who have experienced very serious emotional difficulties.

“Members are very proud of what they have achieved and enjoy a renewed sense of self-esteem.”

A celebration was held at The Brindley to mark the trust’s new IiC status.