Young people learn about local support for their wellbeing
A support service for children and young people showcased the strides it had made since returning to Swansea Bay.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) supports the wellbeing of young people and transferred back to the Health Board from Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB last year.
It staged its first event for Children’s Mental Health Week since its return at Swansea Waterfront Museum, providing an overview of available services.
More than 40 services from health, local authorities and the voluntary sector attended, as well as parents and carers, young people and professionals.
It featured a selection of young people telling their stories after working with Platfform, which supports people experiencing mental health challenges.
The ‘My Voice Matters’ event was opened by the children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, who spoke about young people’s rights and the importance of their voices being heard.
Swansea Bay UHB’s lead CAMHS nurse Claire Norman said: “It was inspirational to see the engagement of everyone and was perfectly concluded by young people from Platfform sharing their moving stories.
“The aim of the event was not only to hear the voices of children and young people but also to demonstrate the importance of collaboration among young people, parents/carers, and all services. The event surpassed all expectations, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Escalating pressure and demands on children and young people are widely reported to take a toll on their emotional and mental well-being.
CAMHS provides specialised emotional, behavioural and mental health support to those in need, collaborating with statutory and voluntary services. It also offers activities
Its return to Swansea Bay has allowed it to reconnect with partner agencies and establish a local presence, to enhance mental health for young people.
Inset - Children's Commissioner for Wales Rocio Cifuentes,
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