Independent evaluation confirms positive impact of Mindspace Mayo

An independent evaluation of Mindspace Mayo by University of Galway confirms service’s positive impact on young people’s mental health in the county.

The analysis demonstrates both statistical and clinically significant reductions in symptoms of emotional distress among young people after intervention by the service.

To date, the service has supported over 5,000 young people aged between 12 and 25 with free, confidential mental health support.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Mindspace Mayo commissioned researchers at the University of Galway, led by Professor Gary Donohoe and Dr Caroline Heary to carry out a detailed assessment of the impact of Mindspace.

The research included a detailed quantitative analysis of Mindspace’s digital data and a series of qualitative interviews and focus groups with stakeholders.

It identified key strengths of Mindspace, including its integrative role as part of a network of youth mental health supports and as part of the local community, its approachable and flexible nature, youth-centric service design, skilled and committed staff, and Mindspace’s role in reducing stigma and improving mental health.

Established Professor of Psychology at the University of Galway Prof. Gary Donohoe stated: “Our review was based on interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of electronic data from over 1,200 young people who attended Mindspace.

"We found that Mindspace was unequivocally well-regarded by stakeholders for its highly skilled, flexible, and community-based approach to providing mental health services for young people.

"Moreover, we found robust evidence of positive outcomes for those attending, with experience of clinical distress reducing from nearly two-thirds at initial assessment to approximately 1 in 5 after receiving support.”

Peadar Gardiner, Project Manager of Mindspace Mayo said: "The findings of the University of Galway independent evaluation report reaffirm the vital role that Mindspace Mayo plays in supporting young people.

"The evaluation highlighted key areas where Mindspace Mayo has made a tangible difference, including early intervention, accessibility, and the effectiveness of a youth-centred approach. We are encouraged by the positive feedback and will continue to enhance our services to meet the needs of those who rely on us.”

In 2015, Mindspace Mayo was formed as a result of a collaboration between agencies including the HSE, Mental Health Ireland and other community-based voluntary bodies. Evidence based research has identified that 75 per cent of mental health issues appear before the age of 25, demonstrating the importance of early intervention.

Mindspace Mayo is designed as a free, early intervention, brief intervention service, staffed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals that aims to remove barriers to mental health support and prevent young people from needing longer-term or crisis interventions.

From the beginning, young people have played a central role in designing how Mindspace operates, with its youth panel working in an advisory capacity to the service, sitting on the Mindspace management team and representing the service in the community.

Youth panel member Emma Hastings said: "This report reflects what we, as young people, have always known - that having a safe, supportive space to talk makes a real difference.

"Mindspace not only provides vital support but also helps break down the stigma around mental health. Being part of a service that truly listens to and empowers young people is invaluable, and I’m excited to see how the service will continue to grow and reach even more young people in our community."

Looking toward the future, also highlighted in the report were some of the challenges faced by Mindspace, including waiting lists, the limitations of a brief intervention model, and continued stigma around mental health.

Respondents highlighted the need for further service integration with other child and adult mental health services, including CAMHS, further service expansion by developing the geographical reach and scope of the service, the continuance of Mindspace’s mental health promotion work, and the need to increase and stabilise funding for Mindspace beyond the current year-to-year funding model.

Charlie Meehan, Head of Service for Mental Health at the HSE, also welcomed the findings: "Mindspace Mayo provides an invaluable service in early intervention and mental health support for young people.

"The HSE is proud to fund and support a service that has been independently recognised for its effectiveness in meeting the needs of young people in Mayo.

"This evaluation highlights the importance of accessible, community-based mental health services, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Mindspace Mayo."

The Mindspace hub on Market Square, Castlebar, along with outreach services in Erris and Ballina provide a welcoming space for young people to get information or have a chat one–to-one with a clinical support worker without judgement.

Young people present with many different issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and sexuality issues, bullying, alcohol or drug use, parental separation or grief, and no issue is too small for which to seek help.

Referrals can be made by young people themselves, or parents, guardians, schools, GPs, youth groups or even friends.

Mindspace Mayo opens Monday-Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 3pm with outreach appointments available Monday to Wednesday in Ballina and Tuesdays in Belmullet.

Young people or their parents seeking support are encouraged to contact Mindspace by calling 094 906700 or by filling out the appointment form on www.mindspacemayo.ie.

PHOTO: Pictured is Maria Walsh Healy (Mental health Ireland), Emma Hastings (Mindspace Youth Panel), Ampaaro Alcocer Munoz (Community Engagement Officer, Mindspace), Nikki Kilcullen (Clinical Support Worker), Amber McHale, Sienna Keane (Mindspace Youth Panel), Peadar Gardiner (Mindspace, Manager), Anna Cunningham (Mindspace Youth Panel), Conor Geoghegan (Mental Health Ireland) and Teresa Keane (Mental Health Ireland). Pic: Michael McLaughlin