Read how Young People in Brighton & Hove are sharing their vital experiences of mental health services
World Mental Health Day started in 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health. The day is officially commemorated every year on October 10th.
The Mental Health Foundation celebrates World Mental Health Day each year, using it as an opportunity to communicate with the general public about mental health issues.
In Brighton & Hove Young people are already communicating their experiences of mental health services in order to educate mental health professionals. Experience in Mind is a unique and innovative project delivered by Hove YMCA in partnership with Mind in Brighton and Hove.
The training programme is a professional tool but it differs in that young people take on the role of experts by delivering the training themselves. The project raises awareness and challenges stigma about young people and mental health through innovative and creative workshops and training packs which the young people have designed themselves.
The Mental Health Foundation's Youth Crisis Project identified that young people with mental health concerns feel that professionals fail to listen, to acknowledge their experiences and respond to their needs appropriately. Therefore this training programme enables young people to share their experiences of mental health difficulties and using support services.
The multi-media training pack is based on young people's own experiences and their understanding of how workers and services can be more responsive. They are not criticising the professionals but feel their training will help the professionals be more responsive.
As well as giving young people more control over the way they are treated within services the project also provides the young people with opportunities for self development, increased life skills and accredited training.
The project trains professionals such as A&E nurses, psychiatrists, GPs, police, teachers and youth workers and those who come into contact with young people in their line of work.
In their words...
‘For 8 years I’ve heard voices and found myself lost in dark clouds of depression. This was diagnosed as schizophrenia. I am part of Experience in Mind to change things for others who are or might be in the paralysing situation I have faced’ – Jordon, 21 years old
‘I think it has hit some professionals quite hard because young people with mental health issues are finally voicing and sharing their experiences and humanising mental health’ – Sam, 20 years old
‘I feel very privileged to be working with young people who are so open and honest and willing to share their experiences. It’s important for professionals to be aware of the young peoples’ views. The young people are being proactive so also get something out of it themselves and in a way it aids their recovery’ – Sam Taylor, Experience in Mind coordinator