Author: Simon Duffy
People Focused Group Doncaster (PFG) are one of the most dynamic and inspiring organisations around. They have led innovations in peer support, personalisation, mental health services and neighbourhood care. The report describes how PFG are helping young people tackle the severe mental health crisis that is targeting the young.
In summary
- Mental illness is a severe and growing problem for young people in Doncaster and there is a need for new community-based solutions.
- Better You is making a transformative difference in the lives of young people.
- Between the start of 2023 and October 2024 Better You supported 300 young people who have presented with complex mental health needs and there is a referral rate of about 15 young people every month.
- The Better You model combines peer support with personalised practical assistance that focuses on pressing issues to help people move into recovery.
- Young people have converted an unattractive and derelict building into a welcoming space for young people across Doncaster–Grove Park Hub.
- The young people at Better You have been improving the environment at Grove Park and, in the face of initial resistance, are transforming local people’s attitudes.
- Better You is a collaborative project which connects young people, on their own terms, to a range of community organisation, associations and local businesses.
- There is growing confidence in the model with agencies across the City with referrals from Care Leavers Team, DWP, RDASH, CAMHS, Social Care and others.
- Young people are growing in resilience and confidence and many young peer supporters who are now supporting each other actively contributing to the community.
- The total cost of the service is very low, equivalent to 66% of the cost of one young person placed in a private hospital or treatment unit.
- Peer support by young people at Better You adds an additional 200% of social value to the initial investment by the NHS.
- Better You has created a vital platform for transforming lives and enabling young people to co-design better solutions for all young people in Doncaster.
Read and download the free pdf in your browser, link below.
The publisher is Citizen Network. Better You © Simon Duffy 2024.
