Navigating CAMHS and South Asian community needs in Luton: Integrating community psychology with a quality improvement approach

This project addressed systemic inequalities in mental health services, focusing on the underrepresentation of South Asian young people within Luton’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Using Quality Improvement (QI) methodologies, we aimed to increase service accessibility for this community through direct engagement with citizen stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships. Qualitative data was collected from Children and Young People (CYP), parents, school staff, and a faith leader. Key themes from this engagement inspired the development of workshops for CYP and parents to enhance mental health awareness. Initial efforts targeted accessibility of one Mental Health Support Team (MHST), with plans to expand across all Luton MHSTs. Pre and post workshop measurements revealed improved awareness of mental health services and pathways for timely support. However, further work is necessary to bridge cultural gaps and address systemic inequities. Future project directions and recommendations for other MHSTs emphasise co-production and community psychology values within MHST staff roles.