Young people tell conference good mental health is a priority
Prevention and early intervention support to prevent a deterioration in mental health is a priority for young people in Lochaber, it has emerged.
Youngsters have been making changes following the Highland Youth Parliament’s conference focused on improving support for young people’s mental health.
Highland Youth Convener Anja Johnston said she was happy to see young people taking control of their future.
The Thurso resident said: ‘Our recent conference was a much more focused discussion compared to previous conferences which I believe has given young people the tools to go away and have discussions with adults that can help them to implement change.
‘The vision of our Mind Us campaign is starting to become a reality and young people are taking their mental health needs into their own hands. Across the Highlands, there are excellent examples of what can be done when young people are given the opportunity to take the lead in making positive changes to better themselves and their peers.’
In Lochaber, the Lochaber Health and Social Care redesign is progressing with young people highlighting that the prevention and early intervention provision of mental health is a priority for young people in Lochaber.
Youth development officers have been supporting young people and gathering their views which has culminated in mental health becoming an agenda item for consideration at the stakeholders’ redesign meetings. It is hoped this will form and become part of an integral part of the redesign process.