Future SELPH is a service that supports young adults across the Wakefield district who have a range of challenges relating to mental wellbeing. Young adults refer themselves to the service and are supported twice a week through one-to-one and group sessions that focus on self-awareness, social skills, coping mechanisms and other similar areas. The aim of this work is to establish a growth in resilience among young adults, by improving mental wellness and increasing capacity to overcome life challenges
Challenge Phase
A key component of the Future SELPH programme is the Challenge Phase, where young people are invited to plan and deliver a project that reflects their growth and insights from the programme. For the most recent group, this phase finished with a powerful presentation aimed at improving mental health services in the local area.
The young people chose to use their final session to deliver feedback to mental health providers, some of whom they had previously engaged with. Their goal was to share their lived experiences in a way that could inform and improve future support for other young people.
The presentation took place in a chat-style format around a table, with the young people taking the lead. 6 professionals from organisations in the Wakefield area attended and each participant introduced themselves with a fun fact, setting a warm and welcoming tone before diving into a meaningful discussion.
Their feedback was impactful, highlighting both the positives and the areas where services had fallen short. Key points included:
- Unpersonalised support: advice like “take a bath” or “go for a walk” felt generic and disconnected from young people’s real needs.
- Abrupt service endings: support was sometimes cut off due to circumstances beyond the professionals’ control, but without clear signposting to alternative help.
- Lack of communication: some young people shared that they had reached out for help and received no response, leaving them feeling ignored and unsupported.
Mental health professionals were invited to attend and listen. What followed was a deep and respectful Q&A session, where providers engaged with the feedback and asked thoughtful questions. The young people’s voices were heard and valued.
Participants were visibly moved by the experience of being listened to and recognised, a testament to how meaningful and emotionally charged the conversation was.
The Challenge Phase of Future SELPH is a platform for young people to advocate for themselves and others. By sharing their stories and insights, they are helping to shape a future where mental health support is more responsive, compassionate, and effective.
This session was a reminder that young people are not only the recipients of support, but agents of change.
