Mental Wealth Academy
The Pitch
Problem statement
Young People are dealing with a Mental Health Crisis According to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (2021) for Oxfordshire, “The number of mental health referrals for young people has increased significantly over the past 5 years” and “rates of self-harm hospital admissions in younger people (aged 10-24 years) have increased over time”. At the same time, National data reports a deterioration in mental health of young people with existing mental health needs in lockdown, particularly linked to increased loneliness and anxiety. Therefore, this project addresses the mental health crisis that young people are facing.
Solution
In collaboration with five other partner organisations, Oxfordshire Youth aim to address this issue across Oxfordshire through the Mental Wealth Academy, a 3-year programme that supports 18-25 year olds through of non-clinical mental health interventions and wellbeing coping methods. This includes those young people with mild to moderate mental health needs who may be falling through gaps created by transition pathways from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
The Mental Wealth Academy model includes partners; Response, Ark T, Oxfordshire Mind, Oxfordshire Youth, SOFEA and BHYP. This work is characterised by an aspirational, co-productive approach to reduce health inequalities, increase resilience and improve life changes. We are responding to the urgent need of young people who are currently on a waiting list to receive services. This demand needs to be met as it is vital for the mental health of young people.