11 top tips for children and young people's mental health services
Lowering the barriers: Youthwatch's top tips for mental health support that young people can access
Author: Youthwatch
Published: 25 February 2026
Young volunteers co-analysed and developed 11 top tips for mental health services working with children and young people. The tips are based on our experiences when visiting different drop-in hubs across Leeds. These practical, youth-led tips are designed to help services become easier to reach and more welcoming - by young people, for young people.
Recommendations
Friendly, non-judgemental staff.
Create welcoming, non-clinical spaces.
Offer private spaces without being asked.
Share clear information before a first visit.
Build accessibility from the start.
Click on the buttons below to read the report and stories.
Please get in touch if you require the report in a different format. Either call 0113 898 0035, email info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk or text 07717 309 843.
What next?
The document and findings have been shared with those who commission children and young people's services, with children and young people's mental health services, Time for Young People and MindMate to support service improvement and strengthen youth involvement across Leeds.
Our full findings from our visits to the drop-in services will be published soon.