MindMate.org.uk is a Leeds-based, self-help website which acts as a vehicle to provide information about children and young people’s mental health, and enhance awareness of mental health issues and services available in the area through an engaging, meaningful and appropriate medium. The underlying message of the service is that everyone has mental health and it makes people feel better by talking about it.
MindMate.org.uk is a Leeds-based, self-help website which acts as a vehicle to provide information about children and young people’s mental health, and enhance awareness of mental health issues and services available in the area through an engaging, meaningful and appropriate medium. The underlying message of the service is that everyone has mental health and it makes people feel better by talking about it.
Access
The website has four main sections to target different audiences: 1) young people aged 12-17; 2) young adults (over 18); 3) parents and carers; and 4) professionals. The site provides information on the services available in Leeds, ways to support mental and physical health, and a link to a single point of access for professional referrals.
Co-production and participation
The website was developed through co-production with young people, who have been involved at every stage, from the initial concept through to the final product. Young people have been engaged in testing and approving website content, as well as finding ways to continually improve and update the site, and their involvement has ensured that the website is appealing to a wide range of users. There is an approval group that makes suggestions for ways to improve the content, for example by adding sections or resources, to ensure the site covers the issues relevant to them.
Outcomes
In the Autumn of 2016, a review was completed by young people including consultation with young people, parents and professionals. The website is continually undergoing review to ensure it remains up to date and relevant to the needs of children and young people, and their families and carers.
What makes this service an example of positive practice?
Young people have tested the website at every stage, with co-production a core feature of the service. With young people’s support, the site has become more interactive and fun. Users now have the option to create their own MindMate avatar and express things that stress and relax them using the ‘Stresspot’ tool. MindMate actively encourages young people, and parents and carers, to become involved in reviewing and updating the website. The website also collaborates with professionals across Leeds, including the three NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, and other key partners such as Leeds City Council, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, GPs, Forward Leeds, YoungMinds, and The Market Place. MindMate is a key part of the Future in Mind strategy in Leeds, which sets out a plan for working across the city to improve children and young people’s emotional and mental health.
Further details
| Commissioning | Leeds South and East Clinical Commissioning Group | ||||||||||
| Providers | Whole system but led by CCG | ||||||||||
| Workforce (WTE) | 0.1 project manager (band 8a)
0.2 young person engagement role (band 8a) Commissioned web developers |
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| Population size | Total population – 781743, under 18 – 164806 (Office of National Statistics 2016 mid-year population estimates for Leeds) | ||||||||||
| Caseload | Google analytics show 7500 hits a month with an average of 3 pages visited and an average session duration of 2.37 minutes | ||||||||||
| Prevention and resilience – universal and early intervention for at risk | |||||
| Access and advice – consultation lines, triage and signposting | |||||
| Early support and brief interventions | Other e.g. transition, participation | ||||
