What is Participation?
Participation in the context of mental health refers to the active involvement and engagement of young people in their own care and in the design and delivery of mental health services. There are two common types of participation:
Individual Participation
Individual participation involves young people taking an active role in their mental health care decisions. This includes their involvement in selecting treatment options, setting personal goals, and collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
Public Participation
Beyond personal care, young people are increasingly involved in the broader aspects of mental health service design and delivery. By participating in consultations, youth advisory panels, and feedback sessions, they help shape the services that impact their lives.
What Youth Voice Really Means
The Midlands Young Advisors have defined what participation means to them:
“A platform where young people’s views are considered and respected equally. It should be honest, genuine, and transparent. It should be taken seriously, regardless of differences, and take on board each other’s expertise to positively implement meaningful change, futureproofing potential problems.”
Their definition underscores the importance of creating spaces where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, which is fundamental to effective mental health participation.
Why is Participation Important?
Empowerment and Autonomy
By participating in their own mental health care, young people gain a sense of control and ownership over their well-being. This empowerment can lead to better outcomes and a more personalised approach to mental health management.
Breaking the Stigma
Active participation helps to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues. When individuals openly discuss their experiences and seek help, it normalises the conversation around mental health and encourages others to do the same.
Community Support
Participation fosters a sense of community and support. By engaging in mental health initiatives, young people can connect with others who share similar experiences, creating a network of mutual understanding and encouragement.
Improved Mental Health Services
When individuals take an active role in their mental health care, it can lead to more effective and tailored services. Feedback and advocacy from those who have lived experiences can inform and improve mental health policies and practices.
How Can Services Ensure Participation?
There are many ways services can ensure young people can actively participate, such as:
Creating Youth-Friendly Spaces
Design environments that are welcoming and accessible to young people, both physically and virtually.
Involving Young People in Decision-Making
Include young people in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are heard and valued.
Recognising Contributions
Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of young people to show that their input is valued and appreciated.
Building Trust and Relationships
Foster trust and build strong relationships with young people to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
Creating Feedback Loops
Establish clear feedback loops where young people can see how their input has influenced decisions and outcomes.
Providing Incentives
Offer incentives such as certificates, references, or other forms of recognition to motivate and reward participation.
Promoting Inclusivity
Ensure that participation opportunities are accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
How Can Young People Get Involved?
There are several ways young people can get involved in mental health participation, including:
Joining a Youth Forum
Organisations like the NHS Youth Advisory Network allow young people to share their experiences and insights to help shape mental health services. These forums partner with policy leads to deliver recommendations on improving services.
Join Your Local Participation Team
Check if there are participation teams in your local area and get involved. These teams often focus on shaping mental health services and making them more youth friendly.
Participating in Workshops and Surveys
Engaging in workshops, surveys, and discussion groups can help young people voice their opinions and contribute to mental health initiatives.
Volunteering with Mental Health Organisations
Volunteering with organisations like Young Minds can provide opportunities to work on projects, campaigns, and events focused on mental health.
Becoming a Young Board Member
Some organisations offer positions for young people to join their boards, allowing them to influence decision-making and contribute to the development of mental health services.
The Midlands Young Advisors
The Midlands Young Advisor (YA) team was first formed in 2017 as a participation group through the NHS initiative: Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT). Employed by Associate Development Solutions, the team of 13 young people work together to champion the voice of the young person throughout mental health services.
