This report details the findings of our project exploring young people’s experiences of mental health and accessing mental health support in Lancashire. This project follows on from our initial project which was published in October 2023 where we explored the experiences of Lancashire residents who had experience of waiting for support from mental health services. 

Feedback uncovered a series of barriers to accessing support, which for many, resulted in a decline in their mental health and feeling unsure of where to go for support. 

This report has been produced by Healthwatch Together, who have engaged with individuals, carers and professionals involved in a section 42 safeguarding enquiry, to understand their experiences and whether they felt involved, supported and valued.

Findings were evaluated considering the Making Safeguarding Personal principles.

Healthwatch Lancashire heard an increased amount of feedback about mental health during 2022/23. Particularly, the long waiting lists people were experiencing when accessing mental health support. In response, ‘Waiting for Wellness’ was set up to explore people’s experiences of mental health in Lancashire. There was a particular focus on the waiting times of those accessing mental health support and whether people were aware of available services in Lancashire.

Feedback was also gathered from people who have not accessed support for their mental health, to investigate their reasons for this and whether they would know how to access support should they need it in the future.