Speak out on mental health

Have your say on mental health services for young people.

Any young person who is currently aged between 15–25, and is attending mental health services or who has done so in the past is invited to contact TRASNA to take part in a focus group session to share their ideas. Parents are also invited to attend a separate parent/carer’s focus group.

TRASNA are an independent multidisciplinary group of mental health professionals who have come together to highlight the views of young people and their parents on mental health services for young people in Ireland.

Each focus group participant will be asked to attend on one occasion only. Everything in the group is strictly confidential and an audiotape will be used to help gather information.

Following the focus group sessions, all participants will receive feedback on ideas that have emerged. TRASNA will write a report and circulate it to all groups who have a role to play in the development of mental health services and they will circulate the findings to the general media, in addition to academic journals. By circulating your ideas as widely as possible TRASNA aim to give the strongest representation possible to young people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

TRASNA encourage as many people as possible to contribute, saying:

“The more people that are involved the greater potential for everyone’s voice to be heard. It is crucial for us to get your perspective on services: what works, what doesn’t work and how to make services more accessible and youth-friendly.”

TRASNA are holding focus groups on a monthly basis both for young people and their parents/carers.

The next Focus Group for young people aged between 20- 25 will take place in UCD, Room C114, 1st Floor, Health Sciences Building on Saturday 14th June 2008 from 10 am -11.30am.

Please contact Sarah/Blanaid on focusyouth@gmail.com  or 0876642973 (Mon –Fri 9-5pm) for further information on how to get involved.