THE REGION’S mental health services have been brought into the national spotlight thanks to the voices of two young people.
Two members of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Dumfries and Galloway Young People’s Participation Group took part in an online conversation with Kevin Stewart MSP, the new Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Social Care.
Alongside other See Me Youth Champions, Rhianna Davies-McCrorie and Alix Parker were able to share their lived experiences of mental health services locally.
Rhianna, 24, who lives in Dumfries, said: “It felt really good to be a part of something, to feel like we were making our voices heard in the places that they are needed.
“Although many of our shared experiences were disheartening, the fact that we were there together, discussing those things and making clear that these things are unacceptable, makes me really optimistic for the future of mental health despite the hurdles that we will inevitably face in changing the areas surrounding mental health.”
Alix, 16, who lives in Gatehouse of Fleet, said: “It was important that the Minister spoke to young people directly and actually listened to our thoughts and experiences.
“Being involved with CAMHS D&G participation group has been really positive for me.
“I would encourage all CAMH services throughout Scotland to have Participation Leads within their teams, where young people can be given the chance to be involved with their own mental health care and service improvements.”
Earlier this year, the (CAMHS) Young People Participation group, supported by the (CAMHS) Participation Lead, applied for external funding from See Me Scotland Art Anti Stigma Fund, for producing a mental health awareness animation and educational resource, alongside a professional artist, by young people for young people.
This animation will be produced by October 2021, and will be promoted amongst local primary and secondary schools across Dumfries and Galloway.
The (CAMHS) Young People’s Participation Group, are always looking for new young people to join their group, who are interested in mental health issues, take part in a wide range of projects, develop new resources and who would like to work together to improve services.
If young people are interested, follow the (CAMHS) Young People’s Participation Group on Instagram @CAMHSDG and send a message or alternatively email [email protected]
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