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Optimising the deLIvery of Mental health support to adolescents in care vIa low-inTensity LifE Story work: a realist evaluation with co-deSign and feasibility trial.
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Aim
We aim to improve the mental health of teens living in social care by improving the guidance available to support them.
Background
Teens are the fastest growing age group entering care, and the group most at risk of poor mental health. Better evidence on the ways carers can support teen's mental health is urgently needed.
Life story work is a way of promoting mental health for those living in care by helping them to understand who they are and how their experiences might have shaped them. This builds a sense of identity and belonging. It is usually delivered in a high-intensity way meaning it relies on specialist input over many months. It is therefore too expensive to provide to everyone. Life story work tends to be delivered solely to younger looked-after children (0-11 years old), and there is limited evidence and guidance available for its use with teens (12-18 years old). Ultimately, the most in need often miss out. Understanding if life story work could be delivered in a lower-intensity way (e.g., by foster carers) to teens, how and if this helps is vital.
Find out more by visiting Our Journey pages for the study.
Get in touch
If you would like further information on our project, please send an email to Dr Simon. P. Hammond at S.Hammond@uea.ac.uk with your name, area of work/interest and contact details.