Supporting transitions in child and adolescent mental health services: a rough guide to introducing peer support
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-05-2014-0015 |
| Pages | 222-231 |
| Date | 02 December 2014 |
| Published date | 02 December 2014 |
| Author | Marissa Lambert,Rachael Matharoo,Emma Watson,Helen Oldknow |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Mental health education |
Supporting transitions in child and
adolescent mental health services: a
rough guide to introducing peer support
Marissa Lambert, Rachael Matharoo, Emma Watson and Helen Oldknow
Marissa Lambert is a Peer
Support Training Lead, based
at Peer Support Training team,
Nottinghamshire Healthcare
NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
Rachael Matharoo is a Peer
Support Worker and Peer
Trainer, based at Rotherham
Doncaster & South Humber
NHS Trust, Doncaster
CAMHS, Doncaster, UK.
Emma Watson is a Peer
Support Worker, based at
Institute of Mental Health
Building, Nottinghamshire
Healthcare NHS Trust,
Nottingham, UK.
Helen Oldknow is a Clinical
Effectiveness Lead, based at
Rotherham and Doncaster and
South Humber NHS Trust,
Doncaster CAMHS,
Doncaster, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the lessons learnt during the implementation of a Peer
Support Worker (PSW) pilot project within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The
project aimed to reduce the barriers experienced by young people and carers during the process of
transition between child and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).
Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines reflections of staff, PSWs and trainers in order
to share the lessons that may be taken from this project. This includes a rough guide for those hoping to
employ PSWs to support transitions.
Findings – The PSWs provided the vehicle to support the process of transition by empowering young
people and their carers to use their strengths to facilitate a hopeful and timely transition. Recommendations
regarding support for peers, staff and the organisation during the process of training and employing peers
are discussed.
Research limitations/implications – The paper provides a purely reflective account of the pilot project.
These reflections may provide guidance for others wishing to develop peer support positions within CAMHS
so that an evidence base for the effectiveness of peer support within transitions may continue to grow.
Originality/value – Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust are the first NHS
Trustin the UK to employ PSWs specifically to support transitions between CAMHS and AMHS. This paper
builds on the work of Oldknow et al. (2014) to highlight the first attempts to use peer support to support
transitions.
Keywords Transitions, CAMHS, Peer support
Paper type Case study
Introduction
The importance of providing well-supported transitions between child and Adult Mental Health
Services (AMHS) has been widely recognised (e.g. Social Exclusion Unit, 2005; Appleby et al.,
2006; Department of Health (DOH), 2004; Department for Education Skills (DfES), 2006). The
transition between child and adult services can be a difficult and frustrating time for young
people (Royal College of Nursing, 2007). The criteria, terms of reference and context for
assessment and treatment can vary greatly between child and adult services. This can lead
to practical and emotional issues for young people and their family/care network pertaining to
unmet expectations and gaps in service provision (Health and Social Care Advisory Service,
2006). Poor transitions between mental health services can increase the likelihood that young
people will disengage from mental health services despite their ongoing needs. This can
seriously affect a young person’s health and wellbeing, as well as that of their carers including
parents, foster carers, adoptive parents and wider family (Social Care Institute for Excellence
(SCIE), 2011).
PAGE 222
j
THE JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING, EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
j
VOL. 9 NO. 4 2014, pp. 222-231, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1755-6228 DOI 10.1108/JMHTEP-05-2014-0015
To continue reading
Request your trial