A new website is set to be launched this autumn, dedicated to helping children and young people find mental health support in North Yorkshire. The new website will be a portal or ‘single point of information’ for the many mental health support services offered by different agencies in the county.
It is being developed by NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council and neighbouring CCGs (NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, NHS Harrogate and Rural District CCG, NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG and NHS Vale of York CCG) and will promote services within the existing North Yorkshire County Council boundary.
Young people from North Yorkshire Young Minds Combined – a group made up of representatives from the City of York Youth Council, The North Yorkshire Youth Commission, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s NHS Youth Forum, Show Me That I Matter (York’s Children in Care Council) and the North Yorkshire Youth Voice Executive – are also helping to design the new website and will decide on what it is called.
It’s thought around one in three young people suffer mental health troubles. North Yorkshire County Council and clinical commissioning groups in York and North Yorkshire are committed to supporting young people and young people’s mental health.
County Councillor Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of North Yorkshire’s young people is a priority for our services. We therefore welcome this initiative and the fact young people themselves will be involved in the design and the name of the website.”
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG Associate Chair and the clinical lead for mental health in North Yorkshire, Dr Peter Billingsley, said: “Mental health services for children and young people are delivered by a range of different organisations in North Yorkshire and York. We know it can sometimes be difficult for a young person to find the right help.
“This website will signpost a young person to the most appropriate support and will have lots of useful tips and information to help a young person cope with stress or anxiety.”
Jason Parkinson, Chair of the North Yorkshire Youth Voice Executive, added: “Having suffered myself and known many other young people who have suffered with mental health issues, I know how hard it can be to find the right support in the vast web of different services available for young people.
“This website will offer an accessible way for young people to find the right support for themselves and their own needs without having to go through endless referrals and conflicting advice.”
As well as help and advice for young people, the new website – due to be launched in September – will have resources to support parents and carers. It will also contain a section for GPs and other professionals who work with children and young people.
