We want to hear your reflections and views about how the system is working to support young people accessing or trying to access mental health support including assessments for neurodivergence in the past two years.

This is part of a wider project where we are listening to the experiences of young people and families to understand what is and isn't working for them.  
 
Note, this work asks about neurodivergence and mental ill health as if they are separate things. However, we recognise that neurodivergent children and young people (or those waiting for an assessment) can also experience mental ill health, and indeed may be more likely to do so as a result of trying to cope in a neurotypical world.  

If you have any questions about the project or want to submit your thoughts in a different way, contact healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk or 01904 621133.

 

1. What is your role? 

 

2. How long have you been doing this or a similar role in York? 

 

3. Approximately how many children and young people are you supporting? If you know, approximately what percentage is that of the whole school population?  

 

4. Approximately how many of the children and young people you are supporting have also sought help from NHS mental health services, for neurodiversity assessments or mental health support?  

 

5. Of those children and young people who have sought help from NHS mental health services, how many do you know have been seen/received support?  

 

6. Do you think there is enough mental health support available within schools to meet the needs you are aware of? 

 

7. Of the children and young people you are supporting, how many do you know have used Right to Choose to access assessments with regards to possible neurodivergence?  

 

8. What do you see as the positives of the current CAMHS service for children who are/could be neurodivergent? 

 

9. Do you think there are any gaps in current NHS support for children and young people who could possibly be neurodivergent?  If yes, what are these?  

 

10. What do you see as the positives of the current CAMHS service for children who experience mental ill health? 

 

11. Do you think there are any gaps in current NHS support for children and young people who are experiencing mental ill health? If yes, what are these?  

 

12. Have you heard of children or young people seeking help who cannot access help because they don’t meet the referral criteria / there isn’t a local service?  

 

13. Have you heard of children or young people being on waiting lists for support? If yes, how long are the waits you have heard about? (tick all that apply) 

 

14. If you could change one thing about the current NHS system to support children and young people who are neurodivergent or those with mental ill health or both, what would it be?  

 

15. Is there anything else you want to tell us?