Executive Summary
We worked with a total of 12 local community and voluntary organisations, 4 in Merton and 8 in Wandsworth to help to connect and hear from local children, young people and their families about:
- Physical activity – what support and services are important to be healthy and maintain a healthy weight.
- Mental wellbeing – what support and services are important to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
- Our local environment – what makes our environment healthy and positive for our physical and mental wellbeing in our communities and health and care services.
- The wider determinants of health and the impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, e.g. employment, housing, education, social connections.
- Transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services.
Organisations were invited to apply for grants of up to £2,000. The programme was widely promoted through our communication channels in collaboration with Merton Connected and Wandsworth Care Alliance. Priority was given to organisations that could amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and those disproportionately affected by health inequalities.
We heard from 70 Merton and 350 Wandsworth children, young people and their families through over 30 engagement activities carried out between June and November 2024. These included family sessions, intergenerational projects, play activities, and focus groups, creating opportunities for young people and families to share their experiences.
Who we heard from
Across the programme we heard from over 420 children, young people or family members.
Merton
We heard from over 70 children, young people or family members through a range of activities carried out by four organisations in Merton.
- Frog Learning: ran a session for young adults with learning disabilities and their parents (10 participants)
- Merton Foodbank: worked with parents and carers of children under 8 years old (10 participants)
- South Mitcham Community Association: serving their diverse local community of all ages (50 participants)
- Ethnic Minority Centre: awaiting report
Wandsworth
We heard from over 350 children, young people or family members through a range of activities carried out by eight organisations in Wandsworth.
- A2ndvoice CIC: parents and carers (80 participants)
- Begin2sports: children, young people and adults from neuro-diverse communities (52 participants)
- Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS): unaccompanied asylum seeking young people (8 participants)
- Estate Art: local communities in Roehampton (110+ participants)
- Living Truth CIC: supports the lives of marginalise individuals and groups (52 participants)
- The Furzedown Project: intergenerational project with year 8 school children (48 participants)
- Wandsworth Carers Centre: parents/carers of young people with learning disability or additional needs (16 participants)
- Elays Project: activities for young people aged 11-19 (awaiting report)
Who we reached:
We engaged with people from a wide range of communities across Merton and Wandsworth including the following:
- People from Black Heritage, including Black African (Somali and Yemeni), Black Caribbean, and Black British.
- People from White Heritage, including White British.
- People from mixed heritages
- People from Asian Heritage including Indian, Pakistani and Tamil.
- People with a learning disability including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- People seeking asylum and with refugee status.
What we heard from local people and communities
The 12 funded organisations carried out engagement with over 420 children, young people or their family members. This is a summary of the key themes heard.
Holistic physical and mental health
- How physical and mental well-being are interconnected, having and maintaining both is important.
- Mental health is essential for overall wellness, including peace of mind and happiness.
- Physical activity is a core component of health, with outdoor activities and sports being highlighted.
- Family involvement in health activities encourages shared experiences and healthy lifestyles.
- A desire for more information, education, and empowerment to improve personal health and well-being.
- Desire for more physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health strategies.
- Interest in self-care practices like art therapy, meditation, and maintaining structured routines.
Physical health and well-being
- Emphasis on diet and activity, with the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
- Interest in healthier lifestyle changes, such as more access to affordable food and family-centred activities.
- Access to affordable and accessible resources for physical activity is important.
- Sleep is highlighted as crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
- Safety and environmental factors like neighbourhood security are key to encouraging physical activity.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- The role of social support networks (teachers, family, friends, GPs, community services) in positive mental health.
- Isolation and lack of confidence in finding mental health support are concerns.
- Resilience, positivity, and motivation are key to emotional well-being.
- Family and social time, including shared activities, contribute to well-being.
- Community spaces and social networks are vital for mental health and support.
- Community groups offer a sense of belonging, especially for marginalised or vulnerable groups.
Accessibility
- The need for accessible, affordable health-related services for diverse needs (e.g. autistic children or disabled children).
- Affordable, local services are crucial for meeting varied health needs.
Barriers to health
- Challenges faced by culturally diverse or marginalised groups, including language barriers and cultural misunderstandings in accessing health services.
- Time constraints and family responsibilities hinder physical activity and self-care.
- Economic challenges, including the affordability of healthy food and activities, are recurring barriers.
Support and information seeking
- Support comes from family members, healthcare professionals, social connections, and online resources, though online information can sometimes be conflicting or unreliable.
- General satisfaction with GP services for support and advice for physical health, but some dissatisfaction with mental health service availability.
Transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services
- Need for continuous support and better communication during this transition.
- Calls for more community-centred and personalised mental health support.
- The need for clarity in how to access mental health services, especially for families.
- Desire for more accessible youth services and after-school programmes.
Environmental impact
- Positive effects of local parks, nature areas, and community spaces on physical and mental health.
- Importance of safe, accessible spaces for children.
- Concerns about pollution, traffic safety, and inadequate infrastructure.
- Need for more local facilities for families and children
- A desire for improved local infrastructure, including better facilities, safer spaces for children, and more accessible community activities.