Following the launch of a successful project with Unloc, a not-for-profit organisation, to engage with young people in Oxfordshire about the mental health, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is extending the consultation work to include Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

The mission is to give Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes’ youth a powerful voice and be listened to; ultimately empowering them to help make ground-breaking changes, develop their own skills and potential as well as give them a unique platform via a planned Youth Board.

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes survey will close in the next month – take the opportunity to share your views.

All responses and insights shared by children and young people will enable the Trust as an NHS organisation to shape services effectively to best support young people in the region. In Buckinghamshire we already provide mental health services (CAMHS), and we have mental health support teams embedded in schools.

The survey

The anonymous five-minute survey asks young people for their views on mental health – to get a ‘temperature check’ on mental health issues. The survey has been sent to organisations, including schools, colleges and youth groups.

Please take part in the confidential survey here.

What happens next?

Once the survey is closed there are plans for a series of mental health roadshows specifically for young people.

Oxford Health’s goal is to develop a Youth Board for the Trust – where engaged young people can share insights, ideas and experiences to enhance services.

Last year, approximately 1,500 young people across Oxfordshire shared their views on mental health, and now a youth board is being created.

Kerry Rogers, Director of Corporate Affairs & Company Secretary and Executive sponsor, commented: “Oxford Health are delighted to be working across our local counties with Unloc to support as many young people as we can.

“We are asking young people across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to help us, together we can make a difference and provide outstanding care by adapting our services to meet the needs of them and their peers.”

Sue Hadwin, Head of Service for CAMHS Community Services Buckinghamshire, added: “Young people across counties have faced challenges throughout the pandemic – this is a chance for us to further support them in our services.

“Please fill in the survey, if you are struggling with your mental health or know a young person who is, your contributions will be invaluable. Please remember, if you feel anxious, upset or are struggling with something talk to someone – whether it is a loved one, someone at school or us. We are here for you.”

Unloc’s Managing Director, Hayden Taylor said:

“This project is such an important one, it really helps NHS agencies to provide the absolute best support they can to young people. Often reaching out for help or support can be intimidating and cause anxiety, by speaking directly with young people we can overcome these barriers, examine why young people find it hard to talk and how they prefer to communicate, and ensure that everyone is able to reach out in a way that’s comfortable to them.”

“I urge everyone, even if you’ve never experienced any issues with your mental health yourself – to complete the survey and give us your views. It really does help us to understand the best way to engage and provide support for young people when they need it.”

“It’s completely confidential, you can do it on your phone or tablet, and only takes a few minutes, we really do value your input.”

You can find more information about CAMHS, including mental health support available here.