Taking part in Pokémon games and karate classes could help teenagers cope while waiting for specialist mental health support, a new study has found.
A study by University College London (UCL) found young people referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) reported being able to cope when they were offered social prescribing while waiting for treatment.
Social prescribing connects people with community activities and support tailored to their interests and needs.
The research followed more than 550 young people aged 11 to 18 who had been referred to CAMHS in England.
Those offered social prescribing were matched with a trained link worker, who helped them find activities they were interested in, including Pokémon tournaments, karate clubs, art classes and nature groups.
Researchers found, compared with those who remained on standard waiting lists, teenagers who received the support reported finding it easier to deal with everyday challenges. They also reported fewer behavioural difficulties and better relationships with others.
Dr Daniel Hayes, lead author of the study, said: ‘Previous research from our team has shown that many young people and families find waiting for mental health services difficult and often feel they lack support during that period.
‘Our new study suggests that social prescribing may provide a valuable source of support while young people are waiting, helping them strengthen relationships, build resilience and improve day-to-day functioning.’
Some young people involved in the programme said it helped them feel more comfortable discussing their emotions with others, including family members and teachers.
One participant said: ‘It felt like someone was listening…and actually cared.’
While social prescribing was found to help, researchers said it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for specialist treatment. The study found no evidence that it reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress during the six-month research period.
Amanda Thompson, children and young people’s link worker at Sunderland Counselling Service, said: ‘One of the aspects I value most about the social prescribing model is its person-centred approach. It focuses on what is important and meaningful to the young person, placing them at the heart of the process.’
‘Seeing a young person who may have previously struggled socially begin to engage in clubs or activities, develop hobbies, learn new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding,’ she continued. ‘What may seem like small steps to others can represent significant achievements and personal progress for a young person.’
The findings, which can be read in full here, build on earlier research by the same team involving almost 20,000 people, which found social prescribing was linked to improvements in wellbeing, life satisfaction and anxiety.
More than one million people in England were referred for social prescribing in 2023.
Photo: Wiryan Tirtarahardja/UnSplash
In related news:
Leave a Reply