Wolfson Centre board reviews counselling service provision for young people and new digital wellbeing support project
27 January 2023
This month, members of the Implementation and Engagement Board (IEB), including youth representatives, NHS clinicians, third sector partners and advisors from the Welsh Government met to discuss ongoing research projects at the Wolfson Centre and a review of school and community-based counselling services.
Dr Rhiannon Evans joined the meeting to present findings from the ‘Review of school and community-based counselling services’ in Wales. The review considers how current models can be optimised and recommends an extended service to children as young as four-years-old. Dr Evans recommends a multi-step approach to develop, pilot, test and refine counselling services for children and young people in Wales “- starting with a small number of local authority areas, prior to roll-out across Wales.”
Dr Rhys Bevan-Jones gave an update on current recruitment and feasibility of a new digital programme ‘MoodHwb’, which will provide ‘digital support for young people with their mood and wellbeing’. The programme is set to be trialled in schools, primary mental health services and charities in Wales and Scotland. More information on this study, including how you can take part can be found on the National Centre for Mental Health website.
The board were also pleased to congratulate Catrin, an established member of the Wolfson Youth Advisory Group and new addition to the IEB:
“We are very proud and excited to announce that one of our young people, Catrin, has accepted a formal offer to become a board member on our Implementation and Engagement Board (IEB). Catrin will be graduating from our advisory group next year, so it is great to see her take on this new role and continue to provide invaluable insight on the lived experiences of young people.”
Catrin said, “I love the YAG and wanted to further my involvement in the Centre and its work. I feel that my personal and professional experiences can positively influence the board and offer a different perspective. I’m looking forward to contributing and learning more about the ins and outs of a board like this.”
“I’m thrilled to be supporting Catrin over the coming months as she settles into the role. Ensuring young people have a seat at the table at these types of meetings is key to the ethos of the Centre and I look forward to the contribution Catrin will make over coming months.”