Young people from the North Durham CAMHS participation group, run in partnership with Investing in Children, have created colourful and expressive drawings and positive quotes such as ‘you are more than your illness’ and ‘you’re a star so shine bright’.
The artwork is currently displayed in the welcome areas of North Durham CAMHS at North End House in Durham. It celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week (5-11 February) and its theme of My Voice Matters, which aims to empower young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
Suzanne Prowse, associate practitioner at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and lead for North Durham CAMHS participation group, said: “The young people we support had previously said they would like to do more arts and craft activities during the participation meetings. This sparked our idea for Children’s Mental Health Week.
“One of the young people also suggested writing positive mental health quotes as it had helped them. They wanted to share this with other young people in the hope that it could benefit others.
“Young people are the voice of our service, and it’s important to listen and empower them to share their voice. That’s why we’re supporting Children’s Mental Health Week.”
The North Durham CAMHS team offers specialist mental and emotional health support to children, young people (up to18 years old) and their families. The participation group, which meets once a month, gives young people the opportunity to input into the services they access.
Find out more about crisis and liaison services for children and young people
