Experiences of Remote Provision across a Voluntary Sector Organisation Providing Mental Health and Wellbeing Services for Young People

Joanne Worsley (), Shaima Hassan, Lisa Nolan and Rhiannon Corcoran
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Joanne Worsley: Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK
Shaima Hassan: Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK
Lisa Nolan: NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, Liverpool L1 2SA, UK
Rhiannon Corcoran: Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: The global COVID-19 pandemic presented not only challenges for services but also opportunities for reflection and change. This study aimed to understand young people, parents/carers, and professionals’ experiences of remote provision across a voluntary sector organization to inform the nature of future delivery. Reflections from professionals ( n = 7), young people ( n = 7), and parents/carers ( n = 2) were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data were thematically analysed. Five overarching themes were identified: ‘Accessibility’, ‘Remote therapeutic experiences’, ‘Translating to online’, ‘Spaces of comfort/discomfort’, and ‘Moving towards hybrid provision’. The COVID-19 pandemic changed service provision, notably with accelerated digitalisation. Although the service became more accessible, the digitalisation of services impacted the relational experiences for young people. Nevertheless, online provision was described as a ‘steppingstone’, allowing young people to engage in online therapy or group programmes before transferring to in-person provision. Although remote provision can lead to improvements in young people’s mental health, this format was not suitable for all. When considering future models of provision, assessing needs, preferences, and access to private space and hardware are all important considerations when deciding which format to use to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Keywords: remote provision; mental health; wellbeing; accessibility; therapeutic relationships; group programmes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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