Families

Families are critical to young people’s health.  We’re interested in finding out more about the role they play, and in how to support them to help their young people achieve the best possible health outcomes.

“There for you”: The role of parents in supporting young people with mental health problems

The parents of adolescents are the most unsupported of all groups of parents, and those who have teenagers with mental health problems are particularly isolated.  Yet parents could be a big part of the solution as far as successful outcomes for young people are concerned.  Our research shows they play a key role in supporting their children through both crisis and recovery.

As part of our work on this topic, AYPH has undertaken a research project funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, including an online survey, focus groups with parents and young people, and meetings with stakeholders.  The project is described in more detail in our project summary.  A briefing paper on the findings from our survey of over 300 parents was published in November 2016, and can be downloaded from here. The briefing paper was debated in the House of Lords. Read the transcript of the debate here.

A list of resources for parents can be downloaded here.

In a second phase of the work, AYPH is now undertaking a new project funded by NHS England, to scope out examples of good practice from across the country for working with parents facing these kinds of challenges.  This will run until spring 2017, when we will profile the results in a new briefing.

We are presenting a poster on the There for You project at the PHE Conference. A copy of the poster can be downloaded here.

NHS Digital Strategy

Earlier in 2016 we carried out a consultation with  young people and parents to find out their views about digital online records in the form of a ‘hub’, bringing together GP and hospital records, test results, immunisations and other health information in one place. Read our findings here.

 

For more information on our work with parents and young people with mental health problems, contact info@youngpeopleshealth.org.uk