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Supervisors: Dr Sarah Jane Fenton, Dr Nicola Wright, Dr Justin Waring

Verity is investigating whether co-production works in youth mental health, for whom it works and in what circumstances, by using a realist action research approach. She will be seeking consensus on a definition of the current principles of co-production in youth mental health services by a comparison study examining approaches to co-production in two youth mental health services in different contexts (e.g. UK/Australia). Methods  are to be co-designed with researcher-participants (and may include: survey, interview, focus groups and photo-voice).

Bio

Since qualifying in 2017 Verity has worked as an occupational therapist in mental health services with adults and young people in Birmingham. She is currently a Wellcome trust PhD candidate investigating models of co-production in youth mental health.

Participation has been central to her work with young people both as an OT and before this as a youth participation development officer for The Woodcraft Folk (2012-2014). Her masters research comprised a qualitative study which aimed to explore occupational therapists’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to occupation-focused practice in secure mental health settings and record consensus found using nominal group technique.

Supervisors: Dr Hayley Crawford & Dr Helena Tuomainen

The aims of this research will be to explore clinician knowledge, training, and confidence, while examining the current psychological therapies or adaptations used in child and adolescent mental health services. Alongside, understanding the satisfaction and experiences of both parents and autistic children/young people or children/young people with an intellectual disability (also known as learning disability) when receiving support for mental health difficulties. To investigate the triage and psychological treatment pathway for autistic children/young people or children/young people who have an intellectual disability. The target population for this study will be autistic children/young people and children/young people with mild or moderate intellectual disability and a co-occurring mental health difficulty such as anxiety or low mood. A mixed methods approach will be used, implementing the following instruments, a quantitative mental health provider survey for child and adolescent mental health service clinicians, qualitative narrative interviews with autistic children/young people or children/young people with intellectual disability and their parents/carers and qualitative focus groups with key decision makers.

How competent are child and adolescent mental health service clinicians in assessing the needs of the autistic children and young people or children and young people with intellectual disabilities during triage and treatment of psychological therapies?

What are the needs and experiences of autistic children and young people or children and young people with an intellectual disability? 

How are the needs of autistic children and young people or children and young people with intellectual disability considered during triage and treatment in child and adolescent mental health services?

Bio

Naomi Williams’ academic discipline is in Special Educational Needs she is the Founder & Clinical Director of Sensory Learning & Play C.I.C. an organisation primarily for Children & Young People with Additional Needs & Disabilities. Qualified since 2011 as a Social Worker, Teacher, Trainer, and Author. Currently employed by Nottinghamshire Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Mental Health Support Team as a Clinical Specialist, where no two days are the same. Her additional expertise and experience include Leadership & Management, Bid Writing, Sleep Specialist, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and setting up local community projects, through various initiatives. She is passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential despite past experiences, backgrounds and needs. Her research interests are Early Intervention Mental Health Services, Children and Young People with Additional Needs and Inclusion.