Improving young people’s mental health - what does a whole household approach look like?

Councils and their partners are leading on a range of positive initiatives to prevent, address and support young people with new and existing mental health problems. The LGA commissioned the Centre for Mental Health to develop case studies on ‘whole household’ approaches to young people’s mental health.

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These case studies showcase approaches where parents, carers, families, and other partners are actively involved in the young person’s support. They identify learning for other councils and provide common areas of good practice.

young people together sitting on a step, shot of lower legs and trainers

The Centre for Mental Health produced six case studies which demonstrate a range of innovative support for children and young people across the country. The five case studies are:

Leeds City Council - a citywide service for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless delivered by a consortium of third sector organisations.
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council - a multi-agency Taskforce delivering a Calderdale Local Transformation Plan for Emotional Health and Wellbeing.
Cheshire West and Chester Council - the Youth Federation holistic mental health programme provides early intervention support to young people, and their families, to build resilience.
Durham County Council - Rollercoaster project supporting parents and carers of children and young people with emotional and mental health problems.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council - an integrated, whole-system emotional wellbeing and mental health service for 0-19-year olds.
London Borough of Wandsworth - an inclusive evidence-based programme for parents and carers, designed to promote protective factors which are associated with good parenting and better outcomes for children.

Improving young people’s mental health - what does a whole household approach look like?

Case studies