- Written by Jenny Reese
- BBC Wales Health Correspondent
18-year-old Poppy Parsons says the support changed her life
Poppy Parsons’ life was turned around by the mental health support she received from The Center for Youth at Risk.
The 18-year-old said she had self-harmed before and the hospital environment often made things worse.
But now she is able to attend college, which she said would not have been possible without support.
Carmarthen’s center is the first in Wales to offer 24-hour support, avoiding hospital wait times.
“You go to the A&E at 2 a.m. on Saturday night and you see drunk people, cops, people crying, people giving you funny looks because you’re a terrible person,” Parsons said.
“Having trained personnel at this location is very important. It has a very positive impact.”
She said the unconditional offer to study French and international politics at university next year was due to the support she received.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have any support, to say the least.”
16-year-old Mia said she had reached a crisis point and was referred to a service
Mia, 16, said she felt less isolated after reaching a crisis point and being referred to a team where she was evaluated, offered support from a psychologist and group work.
“Three years ago I couldn’t leave my house,” she said.
“I didn’t even go see my friends, but now I’m considering going to college, I’ve got a job, and things are moving forward.
“It means the world. This investment they’ve made shows they care about us young people and that’s what we need.”
The service is run by the Hywel Dda Health Board and has spent just over £3 million to date, with other centers being developed in the Betsi Kadwalladr, Swansea Bay and Anailin Bevan Health Board areas. increase.
Angela Lodwick, head of child mental health services at Hywel Dda, said: “There has been a significant increase in anxiety disorders, OCD[obsessive-compulsive disorder]and eating disorders in particular since the pandemic.”
“There has been a marked increase in adolescents reporting self-harm and a significant increase in the number of adolescents being referred to emergency departments, which is not the best place for them given the significant pressures on the ground. I know it’s not.” “
The Board of Health has also developed “protected areas” with third sector organizations in Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest.
Lynn Neagle met young people who were helped by her service activities
Deputy Minister of Mental Health and Welfare Lynn Neagle said the funding is part of a broader investment in youth services.
“This is about a ‘no wrong door’ approach to mental health, which means that when young people need it, support is there for them wherever they are. Whether it’s at school, in GP surgery, Even in a crisis, it’s in a place like this,” she said.
Sian Gwenlian, a key member of Plaid Simul, the party’s joint work with the Welsh government on 46 policy areas, said: “Young people are often admitted to adult psychiatric wards or special youth wards. You end up in the hospital, but that’s not always the right answer.
“Often, with the right early support, the right care and the right attitude, young people are empowered to move forward and resilience.”
