2024 kicks off with a brand-new series of Raising Teens on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, every Friday at 7pm from January 5, or you can catch up any time on BBC Sounds. 

This fifth series covers access to mental health services, supporting adolescent trauma, eating disorders, neurodiversity, and support in schools.

We know that many teenagers are struggling to access mental health services. In England, average waiting lists have risen by two-thirds in the last two years (The Guardian). Over half of those on a waiting list said that their mental health had deteriorated while they waited for support (Young Minds). The pandemic and cost of living crisis have both had an impact on what was already a growing crisis affecting young people. 

Many young people with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism, also have long waits to get a diagnosis, let alone help. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 1: Getting Mental Health Support on BBC Sounds.

In this episode new series host, Clare Cowan, discusses how parents & carers can navigate the system to find the right services and resources for their child. Make (Good) Trouble’s Lola Ray has also talked to young people about the kinds of support they need and what they’ve done to find support. 

Our guests for episode 1 are:

• Lisa Witherden from YMCA DownsLink Group, Head of wellbeing and therapeutic services
• Mark Cox, Accident & Emergency Junior Doctor and founder at Lumi
• Kai Willbridge, Practice Manager at BHCC for the Whitehawk Family Hub

If you’re wondering how parents can support their teens, and how we can make sure that support is accessible to every young person that needs it, tune in to BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, and BBC Sounds on Fridays at 7pm.

👋 Find out more about Raising Teens and listen to past episodes: Raising Teens.
👏 Raising Teens series 5 is supported by NHS Sussex.

Help and support: Access to services

• www.e-wellbeing.co.uk – a youth co-produced self-help and information website for children and young people. Families in West Sussex will find the digital referral form here to the single point of access.
• About the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): Search for a therapist
• The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): Search their register
• Parent Carer forums in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex.
  – Brighton and Hove Parent Carer’s Council (PaCC),
  – East Sussex Parent Carer Forum 
  – West Sussex Parent Carer Forum 
• Mental health resources for young people which also have a whole list of additional websites: Sussex Health & Care
• Sussex Health and Care Partnership resources: Looking after your child’s mental health: Spot the signs
• Your Mind Matters – West Sussex County Council
• Sussex CAMHS: Resources-for-families-carers-and-professionals