What makes a good life? New report now available

26 January 2010

What makes a good life? Views of some young people with additional support need (2009)

This consultation involved young people with additional support needs in discussing what makes a good life for young people. The consultation is part of a three part consultation looking at promotion, prevention and care of mental health and well-being as part of the review of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Highland. The young people involved had needs and experiences which could put them at risk of developing mental health issues. These young people’s views about the protective and risk factors in their lives inform the preventative strategy mental health services might take. The protective factors young people proposed were supports to their personal development of life skills and independence; recognition of the importance of family relationships, keeping in touch with separated relatives and extended family and of being helped through times of anxiety, bereavement and separation; and within the wider world young people needed to be recognised as individuals with their needs for support met but where such support did not reduce their opportunity for developing independence or being included. They wanted to live in good neighbourhoods, attend good schools and have access to a range of activities and clubs. Young people also described the damage that prejudice from people who do not understand their needs brings for them. These views point to the need for all services to work together with CAMHS in the prevention of mental health issues for young people in need.

Both the full report and the summary colour report are available on the reports and publications.