Young people aged 12-25 years old across Buckinghamshire are being asked to share their views in a confidential survey in order to help develop and strengthen mental health services in the county.
Following the launch of our previous successful project with Oxford health NHS Foundation Trust to engage with young people in neighbouring Oxfordshire about their mental health, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is now expanding the scope of its consultation work to include Buckinghamshire.
The mission is to give Buckinghamshire’s youth a powerful voice and be listened to; ultimately empowering them to help make ground-breaking changes, develop their own skills and potential, as well as give them a unique platform via a planned Youth Board.
Nearly 1,500 Oxfordshire young people shared their views on mental health through the previous work Unloc carried out with the Trust. Working together we now hope to repeat this success and gain a similar response in Buckinghamshire.
All response and insights shared by children and young people will enable the Trust as an NHS organisation to shape services in effectively to best support young people in the region.
In Buckinghamshire, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust already provide mental health services (CAMHS) and have mental health support teams embedded in schools.
The survey
The anonymous five minute survey asks young people for their views on mental health – to get a ‘temperature check’ on mental health issues. The survey has been sent to organisations, including schools, colleges and youth groups.
What happens next?
Once the survey is closed, there are plans for a series of mental health roadshows specifically for young people.
Oxford Health’s goal is to develop a Youth Board for the Trust – where engaged young people can share insights, ideas and experiences to enhance services. This is underway in Oxfordshire, with the hope to extend to Buckinghamshire.
Unloc’s extensive experience of working with young people, and of the creation and engagement of Youth Boards with organisations such as local government, universities, colleges, schools and health trusts make this the perfect partnership to engage with young people and really understand their needs and requirements.
Kerry Rogers, Director of Corporate Affairs & Company Secretary, commented:
“The Trust is pleased to continue our work with Unloc in Buckinghamshire, to support young people in as many communities as we can.“
“It is another chance for us to valuable the voices of young people, to act on their views shared and adapt our services to their needs – ultimately, working towards our vision of outstanding care.”
Sue Hadwin, Head of Service for CAMHS Community Services Buckinghamshire, added:
“Young people across counties have faced challenges throughout the pandemic – this is a chance for us to further support them in our services.
“Please fill in the survey, if you are struggling with your mental or know a young person who is your contributions will be invaluable. Please remember, if you feel anxious, upset or a struggling with something talk to someone – whether it is a loved one, some at school or us. We are here for you.”
Unloc’s Managing Director, Hayden Taylor said:
“We’re delighted to continue working with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust across the wider area to really understand and meet the needs of young people when it comes to mental health. Too often young people are so anxious or afraid to seek help and support, or don’t even know where to turn to in order to find it.”
“Our extensive experience within the realm of young people and the creation of Youth Boards, combined with our unique way of engaging them allow us to truly get to the heart of the matter, and best equip NHS and mental health services in the area to meet their bespoke needs.”
Are you 16-25 and living in the Buckinghamshire area?
Complete our 5 minute survey. It’s completely confidential and you won’t be asked to provide your name.
Click here to complete the survey.
You can find more information about CAMHS, including mental health support by clicking here.
