‘Early intervention can prevent young people reaching crisis
point with their mental health' – said Mental Health Minister
.
visited The Hangout in Barry
today to learn about the support provided at the youth mental
health hub.
The Hangout has been running an Alternative to Admission pilot
scheme, with funding from Welsh Government, which supports
children and young people at risk of experiencing a mental health
crisis
The pilot scheme aims to prevent young people needing emergency
department attendance or hospital admission by providing access
to mental health and wellbeing support without the need for a
referral.
The facility offers young people a place to find help, connect
with others, or spend time away from difficult situations in
their lives.
During her visit, the Minister toured the facilities and heard
directly from young people about their experiences of accessing
mental health support and the difference The Hangout has made to
their lives.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing said: "It was
inspiring to visit The Hangout and meet the young people and
staff who are making such a positive difference to mental health
support in Barry.
"This service exemplifies the vision set out in our 10-year
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy – providing open access,
same-day support without barriers or lengthy waits.
"Young people told me how important it is to have a safe,
welcoming space where they can access help when they need it,
without having to go through referral processes.
“Early intervention can prevent young people reaching crisis
point with their mental health. This kind of open access support
is exactly what we want to see across Wales.”
A young person who has accessed support from The Hangout
said: “I really appreciate how I am able to get
unlimited support here in The Hangout and that there is no set
number of sessions that I can have. The vibe is very nice, and I
feel very comfortable.
“I would one day like to work in a place like The Hangout as a
practitioner and in mental health, because the work you are doing
for us is very nice and helpful to other people like me, and
hopefully I can replicate this in the future. I feel very safe
and heard here and not judged.”
Sarah Hamilton, Head of Service for Children and Young
People at Platfform, said:"We're thrilled to welcome the
Minister to The Hangout in Barry. This hub provides vital support
to young people at times when they need it most, and we're proud
of the positive impact it's having in the local community."
The Welsh Government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy,
published earlier this year, places open access services at the
heart of transformed mental healthcare in Wales. The strategy
focuses on prevention, early intervention and ensuring people can
access appropriate support without delay.
The Hangout, delivered in partnership with Platfform, provides a
walk-in service for young people aged 11 to 18, offering drop-in
support, wellbeing sessions, group activities and volunteering
opportunities without the need for a referral.
Notes to editors
The Hangout provides:
- Drop-in support during opening hours
- Scheduled sessions with wellbeing teams
- Wellbeing-focused groups
- Group activity sessions
- Volunteering opportunities
