Citation

Illback RJ, Bates T, Hodges C, Galligan K, Smith P, Sanders D, Dooley B. J. Ment. Health 2010; 19(5): 422-435.

Affiliation

Headstrong - The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Dublin, Ireland. bob@headstrong.ie

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.3109/09638231003728141

PMID

20836689

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Irish young people exhibit high levels of psychological distress, but community-based services and supports are often unavailable or inaccessible. AIM: To describe efforts to engage communities in systematic and data-based processes of planning, programme design, implementation, and evaluation. METHOD: Details system-building initiatives in five communities (four counties and a distressed urban site) that will serve as a springboard for full national deployment. RESULTS: Extensive community engagement and planning has occurred in all sites, systems change efforts grounded in detailed business plans have begun, and process and outcome evaluation is underway. CONCLUSION: Needs and resource assessment processes confirmed the magnitude of need, but also suggested the creative re-allocation of local resources. Young people provided invaluable guidance for system design. Creating and sustaining a culture of innovation at each site was challenging, requiring leadership and continuous dialogue.

Language: en