Insights from the Conference on Children and Young People’s Intensive Mental Health Services
Recently, NHSBN participated in the second day of a two-day conference on Children and Young People’s Intensive Mental Health Services. The event, by NHS England's Specialised Commissioning, has an emphasis on workforce development. It brought together various groups, including:
Specialised commissioning bodies
Provider collaboratives
Colleagues with lived experience
Independent sector members
The day was rich with insightful discussions. Our data presentation sparked enthusiastic engagement among attendees. Key themes emerged during the conference, shedding light on critical aspects of workforce dynamics.
Workforce Growth and Demographics
A central focus was the growth of the workforce within the mental health sector. We explored how the changing workforce demographics can affect service and patient care. Understanding these trends is essential for addressing the diverse needs of children and young people.
The Impact of Deprivation on Recruitment and Retention
One of the more pressing issues discussed was the impact of deprivation on recruitment and retention. Socioeconomic factors can create barriers in attracting and retaining talent in the mental health workforce.
Passionate Conversations on Retention
The retention discussion was particularly lively. Clinicians passionately advocated for better support and resources to help retain skilled professionals in the field. Their insights highlighted the need for systemic changes to ensure that those who are dedicated to caring for our children and young people feel valued and supported in their roles.
Transformational Workforce Implications
We were treated to thought-provoking presentations on how workforce considerations tie into broader service transformations. The vital contributions of Youth Intensive Psychological Practitioners (YIPP) to multi-disciplinary teams were emphasized, showcasing their unique role in enhancing service delivery and outcomes.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Steve Jones, National Clinical Advisor for Children and Young People's Mental Health (CYPMH) at Specialised Commissioning, for inviting us to this important event. We look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing the conversation on improving mental health services for our youth.
In conclusion, the conference provided an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies aimed at strengthening the workforce within children and young people's mental health services. As we move forward, it’s crucial to keep these discussions alive and work together to create a brighter future for those we serve.