Youthspace - collaborative project

Youthspace is a collaborative project between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, as part of Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) which is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR).

The link between researchers from the University of Birmingham and clinicians in NHS services is key to conducting this applied research, which is embedded in Mental Health Services in Birmingham. Working on the Psychosis Theme, which is aimed at reducing the duration of untreated psychosis in young people, alongside Max Birchwood (Principal Investigator) are a team of Research Fellows, Doctoral Researchers and Volunteer Research Assistants.

The University is helping to raise awareness of Psychosis and the support Youthspace can provide, by allowing promoters to attend University events and disseminating information, resources and merchandise.

All over Birmingham you can see buses advertising the ‘Don’t turn your back on the symptoms of Psychosis’ awareness campaign, promoting a recently launched ‘psychosis information’ line (0121 301 5858) dedicated to helping anyone who wants to know more about psychosis. The website www.youthspace.me, also provides information about a range of mental health conditions, from anxiety to psychosis. There is also a section for family and friends, as well as blogs, videos and downloadable factsheets.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of psychosis, and the benefits of seeking help early. It is actively working alongside Youthspace, which is a new youth-focused clinical service, designed to help young people receive direct access to the care they need.