Recommendation #1

Training and ongoing professional development

The attendees all agreed that training for mental health professionals was of vital importance. Ongoing professional development for mental health workers to be able to understand young people’s world view is essential to ensuring that they feel connected and supported

Roadblocks: Funding to develop ongoing professional was thought to be a major barrier to its implementation

Enablers: The are young people who are willing to support with their voices the development of programmes that give mental health workers insights into their lived experience an addition of a specific disability module in all training would be beneficial to brining this recommendation to life

Recommendation #2

Hire people with lived experience of disability and mental health and wellbeing concerns

Lived experience of disability is important for young people to feel represented. Targeted funding to support people with disabilities to train and be part of the mental health sector is a key supporting recommendation

Roadblocks: Ongoing supports required for people with lived experience to train within the mental health sector

Enablers: People with disabilities are more likely to experience mental health setbacks within their lifetime. This means that they are more likely to want to experience services that truly represent their life and world view. Use this negative and turn it to a positive

Recommendation #3

Nationwide campaign using young people with disabilities

Nothing about us without us. Showcase our experiences and world view.

Roadblocks: Supporting young people to publicly talk about their mental health struggles

Enablers: The passion in the youth disabilities sector to make change for the better within the mental health system