Young people who have struggled with mental health issues are now helping to shape a new mental health care program in Sussex.
The initiative, led by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) under Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, aims to provide more care at home and reduce hospital admissions.
The project uses the real-life experiences of former service users to improve support for others going through similar challenges. These young advisors are directly involved in designing the program, offering insights to make the system more effective and responsive.
Dr. Anna Moriarty, associate clinical director of CAMHS, explained the shift: “What we’re hearing from young people is that they want an alternative to being admitted to hospital. They prefer to stay close to family and friends, and continue with their education whenever possible.”
She said the program is part of an ongoing effort to meet the growing demand for mental health services. “This enhances the support we can offer to young people facing serious mental health difficulties,” she added.
Evie, who spent six months as an inpatient, is one of the young people contributing to the new program. She believes her experience could have been improved if someone her age who had faced similar struggles had been involved in her care. “It’s about making the system better for others,” she said.
Another contributor, Dulcie, shared a similar view. “People who are now in a better place can talk to professionals and help improve the system for everyone,” she said. “Using people who have actually been through it means you get real insight from the other side.”
The Sussex Partnership is one of several NHS trusts exploring more community-based mental health care options, especially for younger people. This new program reflects a growing belief that those with lived experience should be part of the solution.
