MP hails mental health team’s ‘vital work’

YOUNG people who offer advice to improve youth mental health services welcomed MP David Rutley to hear about their work.

The Young Advisors aged between 15 and 21 have completed training and work with the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to help shape how care is given.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley visited the trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) based at Elm House in Macclesfield to meet Tania Stanway and Claire Evans, from the trust, two of the Young Advisors Katya Smirnova and Anna Wilson and Jerry Hawker, chief officer of Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). They heard how the Young Advisors offer ideas and opinions to influence mental health care, help recruit staff and raise mental health awareness in schools.

Mr Rutley said: “We are fortunate to have Young Advisors who can use their experience of CAMHS to support other young people. Katya and Anna spoke confidently and articulately and are enthusiastic about their future. Their work is vital in helping improve mental health services for young people.”