The LEAD project, is an intervention initiative, that helps promote positive mental health, physical health and well-being, through looking at negative aspects such as drugs/alcohol abuse and vaping amongst others, within younger age groups.
The project was an interactive learning day, using a multi-agency approach that allowed our young people to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to help deal with difficult situations and promote positive mental & physical health and well-being, through group support in a safe familiar environment.
The programme has been co-produced with young people and service providers throughout the local area and focused on transition year students (Year 8) within the local Omagh area.
The design of programme content was discussed at each meeting with specific subjects and information being decided by the young people. As a result of this action, delivery plans were drafted and verified by the working group. The working group consisted of teachers, education mentors, Council, service providers and students. This process ensured all voices were heard, delivery methods were adapted, content was relevant and age appropriate and that the students were part of the decision-making process.
We consulted and partnered with the Trusts PPI team on how to engage with the local community and delivery partners to commence the initial process. We engaged with local communities to identify issues and concerns currently affecting younger people.
Data from information sessions, was compiled and collated and found that drugs/alcohol and vaping misuse within the younger age group where prevalent in local areas, and were leading concerns for youth leaders, families and our younger people.
From this initial engagement it was agreed that we would work on a project for Year 8 transition year students who often find this a difficult year.
Following on from this meeting we brought the group together with 6 young people from the schools to engage and design how the project would look, with their input we agreed to look at 5 separate areas of concern;
- Drugs & alcohol
- Vaping
- Poor mental Health / low self esteem
- Bullying
- Nutrition
A working group was created that would help drive the project forward as well as help coproduce the initiative using a service user involvement approach.
The first meeting included representatives from various agencies including FODC, Local Councillors, PSNI, PCSP, PAPYRUS, ASCERT, School Education Mentors, Teachers, Community representatives, Cancer Focus and WHSCT.
The group met on a monthly basis and then more frequently on the lead up to the event, ensuring that the activities for the event were designed in line with what the service users described.
Delivery partners feel that stronger more stable links have been established as a result of the LEAD project, between community partners and the public and statutory bodies. This will allow for more informed decision making, for issues that affect local communities.
Delivery partners are more aware of the need to involve service users in the design and delivery of services and the benefits that arise a result of involvement.
Community Leaders and delivery providers are now more informed on pressing concerns within the local communities. As a result, they are more inclined to use a multi-agency approach to help deal and alleviate concerns that arise. This will allow for unified approach towards future planning.
Directly, 225 younger people have been more informed on approaches of how to look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Indirectly 225 families will have an increased knowledge of negative factors that can lead to a decline in physical and mental health and wellbeing.
