Connexions calls for mental health role

The embedding of Connexions personal advisors in the mental
health system could improve services for young people, according to
a new booklet brought out by the service.

The booklet examines mental health provision for young people
and suggests a number of new measures that partnerships could take
up to improve the quality of services provided in the sector.

Other measures include linking personal advisors to both
statutory and voluntary agencies at a primary care level and for
advisors to work directly with young people and their families to
reduce stigmatisation.

The booklet is based on a pilot project being run in the Humber
region that focuses on two secondary schools and a sixth form
college in North Hull and began in Autumn 2001.