Comprehensive Mental Health Support for 18-25s: Kent and Medway Review 

Task 

The NHS Long Term Plan aims to improve mental health services for children and young people by developing a comprehensive offer of support from 0-25 years old. TONIC was commissioned to develop a clear understanding as to what a ‘comprehensive offer’ entails from the perspective of 18-25s in Kent and Medway. As well as this, TONIC conducted a review of the transition process young people undergo as they move from childhood to adulthood. 

Our Approach 

TONIC used a varied methodology to explore what constitutes a ‘comprehensive offer’, this consisted predominantly of a literature review, surveys, and interviews. A systematic approach was adopted when conducting the literature review appraising peer-reviewed research into the mental health needs of 18-25s as well as action research published by organisations known to support young people’s mental health. The survey and interview opportunities were promoted through targeted social media advertisements as well as directly through relevant services such as universities and youth services. In order to further boost survey engagement, an existing participants panel was accessed via SurveyMonkey which reached over 400 young people across the region.  

There was good participation in both the survey and interview process from each of the four localities across Kent and Medway, there were a total of 541 responses to the survey and 45 in-depth interviews conducted. Young adults (18-30) made up the majority of respondents to both the survey and interviews, 50% of which were between the ages of 18-21. As well as young people, parents and families with lived experience, and 30 stakeholders and professionals were also interviewed. Once both quantitative and qualitative data had been analysed using Braun and Clarke’s method of Thematic Analysis several key findings emerged.  

TONIC divided the findings into subcategories of what works and existent barriers. Young people identified having their voice heard, consistency, communication, and flexibility as key areas that were important to them when accessing mental health support. The barriers that were uncovered included lack of understanding around neurodiversity and mental health, long wait times, and limiting thresholds/criteria for diagnosis that change between services.  

The review into the transitions process generated feedback from 106 young people and parents, who had experience transitioning from children’s services, through the survey and interviews. This review identified that within Kent and Medway the total number of successful transition referrals (13%) is significantly below the national average (25%). As well as this, there was a lack of clarity in communication around transition and confusion around the pathways set out for transition. TONIC, therefore, set out several recommendations for ways these barriers and difficulties can be addressed.  

Outcome 

Within the comprehensive report produced by TONIC the methodology, approach and findings of the consultation was explained in detail. The report concludes with several recommendations and areas for action to be taken. These recommendations are divided into five key points: 

Ask: put young people and their families at the centre of their care 

Develop: implement a youth-friendly framework for an 18-25 pathway 

Identify: define clear pathways out of children’s services 

Strengthen: reinforce governance and strategic oversight of transition arrangements  

Improve: data process for recording and monitoring progression for 18-25s. 

These recommendations were identified as a result of the quantitative and qualitative data generated by the consultation. The data was included within the report in the form of charts, graphs, and anonymised quotes.