Improving the primary care offer to young people: Successes and challenges in implementing the Well Centre model

The Well Centre is an established young person's health hub working across Lambeth and Wandsworth in South London. Core elements include that the service is general practitioner-(GP) led, youth-friendly, and takes a holistic approach to responding to young people's health needs. The team comprises GPs, senior mental health practitioners, and health and wellbeing practitioners, who provide primary care, counselling, social prescribing, advocacy and mentoring. Overall, the Well Centre service is widely valued by stakeholders and clients. A range of positive impacts can be identified from qualitative data, including improved experiences for young people, improved wellbeing, better communication, improved practitioner knowledge and confidence, improved access to services and good use of onward referral. However there are limited quantitative data available that would provide more specific information about young people's health outcomes and pathways through services. While initial indicators suggest the Well Centre approach is a very effective way to improve service delivery to this age group, developing the evidence base on impact is a priority.