HARLOW residents are being invited to share their experiences of Essex’s mental health services for children and young people.

Essex County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) wants to hear people’s stories about how available and easy to access the services are and also the quality of the service provided, as they gather evidence for a review.

The review has been prompted by today’s publication of Healthwatch Essex’s YEAH! 2 report, which outlines young people’s views on their experience of mental health services

The YEAH! 2 report states that young people are asking for more information to be published about services in order to help raise awareness and highlight the fact the type of services available do not always meet their expectations and needs. Difficulties around the transition between children and adults services are also highlighted.

Healthwatch Essex CEO, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “We have looked at the experience of young people by engaging with over 800 of them and really getting into the detail of what works for them and where services don’t align with their needs or expectations.”

Cllr Jill Reeves, Chairman of the HOSC, instigated the review. She said:
“We felt that the findings from the YEAH 2 report warranted further investigation. We intend to speak to commissioners and providers, as well as residents, with the hope that it will influence improvements where they are needed.”

Anyone wishing to contribute feedback can do so by emailing [email protected] by Friday 14 July. Feedback should relate to experiences within the last six months and focus on accessibility, signposting and how well services met the needs of children and young people.

To read Healthwatch Essex’s YEAH! 2 report visit www.healthwatchessex.org.uk/news/