Emotional well-being and mental health

Be aware of sensitive issues around emotional well-being and mental health and the stigma which can create barriers to access.

You’re Welcome

Complete a ‘You’re Welcome’ self assessment or use elements of the framework as a guide.

Recruitment panels

Involve young people on recruitment panels to help get the staff which suit them.

Website

Invest in a good website and ask young people to help you design it.

Social networks

Recognise the importance of social networks and use them to help share information about a service.

Young people increasingly use their phones to access information, communicating mainly by text, Facebook and other social media.

Services need to reflect this by being open to new forms of communication, and invest in new technology and training for staff.

Review and access

Review and assess the service, including accessibility, with young people themselves.

Confidentiality

Be overt about what your confidentiality policy says– put it on the wall or on your leaflets and website.

Young people can often be put off accessing services for fear of information sharing which they haven’t consented to. They might be anxious, for example, that their parents will find out what they tell you. Accessibility therefore increases when young people can be reassured about exactly what will happen and who will know what.

Ask young people to help you word your confidentiality statement for a younger audience if appropriate.

For more information see session Legal and Ethical Framework (410-053).

Promote services

Be proactive about where you promote services and target marginalised groups if necessary.