Data Management Plan Knowledge Exchange Relationships MK

The increasing trend in the prevalence of children and young people (CYP) mental health conditions from 2004-2024 (Green et al., 2005; NHS Digital, 2023) also increases demand for services within NHS Children Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS), leading to only a third of CYP being able to access support, with average waiting times of 147 days (Children’s Commissioner, 2024). Whilst CYP are waiting for support, 76% of parents report further deterioration in their child’s mental health.

Charities can play a vital role in filling the gaps in the provision of statutory services that are unable to be provided. Relationship MK is one such charity keen to provide early intervention and prevention of CYP mental health difficulties. Relationship MK endeavour to develop a community drop-in service for CYP (referred to as ‘ZoneINN’) to support their mental health and to address the local conditions of the mental health crisis affecting young people outlined above.

Knowledge Exchange Funds of £3000 have been awarded so that we can working collaboratively with Relationships Milton Keynes to support their ambition of creating and implementing a community based provision for children and young people in Milton Keynes.