The transition from statutory Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services into third sector voluntary and charitable services: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young peoples’ experiences

Dawson, Ashley

Abstract

This research thesis qualitatively explores young peoples’ lived experiences of transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provided by the National Health Service (NHS) into voluntary and charitable sector services. Within the current NHS system as is stands today, services for young people in the UK are split between CAMHS and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). Despite the national policy, guidance and legislation in place to support the transitional process, many young people fall between the gaps in services. At a time that already poses many challenging and enduring life transitions for young people, they find themselves needing to transition to third sector organisations outside the statutory NHS system.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six young people aged 16-25 years who had transitioned from CAMHS into third sector charitable organisations in the counties of Bristol and Gloucestershire. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilised to analyse the data. Three superordinate themes emerged, of Power (the balance of power between young people and health professionals/charity staff, the experiences of autonomy), Rejection (the shock, loss, and emotional pain of the experience of abandonment) and Identity (the challenges of fitting into the adult world and making sense of their mental health), and an overarching theme voicing the need for quality mental health care for young people.

The research highlights the importance of acknowledging power imbalances, engaging in shared decision making, and empowering young people to develop independence and to identify and obtain their wellbeing needs. The importance of relationships for young people was also a significant finding, as was the role of attachment in the loss of relationships and stability from services. The research further emphasises the complexities and challenges for young people in understanding the self and their identity as they enter the ‘adult’ world.

The research stresses how young people have clear ideas as to how services should be run and in improving the quality of care they receive, especially in relation to their transition experiences. The research therefore has important implications not only for practitioner, but for commissioners and policy makers of mental health service provision pathways for young people.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 24, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 28, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6962542
• Award Date: May 28, 2021