Community centred mental health provision for young people

Abstract

Background

Traditional mental health services for young people often require clinical diagnoses, operate rigid age thresholds, and rely on complex referral pathways - contributing to unmet need and disengagement. This evaluation adds to a growing evidence base on place-based mental health, examining a community programme with 4 projects including: 8 weeks of one-to-one support via Wellbeing Navigators, arts-based Community Hubs providing creative, inclusive spaces for support, a whole school approach to promoting mental health, and staff training.

Methods

A co-produced theory of change was developed. A mixed-method process evaluation explored intervention implementation through analysis of survey data on reported wellbeing and referrals. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using wellbeing outcomes as proxies for impact. Qualitative focus group and interview data with young people, public health commissioners, and delivery partners provided contextual insights.

Results

Co-locating services in community spaces led to greater engagement than more formal services, reaching those at risk of disengagement or poor mental health outcomes. Cost analysis indicated promising value for money, with cost per unit of improvement in DIALOG scores (i.e., satisfaction with life domains) ranging from £1,919 to £8,928, with most cost-effective outcomes seen in satisfaction with mental health. Wellbeing Navigators were described as trusted and supportive through key transitions.

Conclusions

Integrated, cross-sectoral, community-based approaches can support young people's mental health. This programme brought together education, health, social care, and community organisations, enabling support across key transition points. Community-based models such as Wellbeing Navigators and Community Hubs offer scalable, cost-effective solutions that reach those underserved by traditional services, warranting wider adoption across European settings.

Key messages

• Young people aged 16–25 often fall through gaps in accessing formal mental health services. Community-based support can offer low-cost, effective, holistic help during critical life transitions.

• There needs to be greater investment in post-16 mental health provision with models of support that align with the diverse needs of this age group.