A mixed-methods exploration of the mental health related help-seeking of young people attending post-16 settings in the South West of England.

The mental health needs of young people in the UK are an ongoing concern and are forecast to become worse. To receive support for their mental health needs, it is essential that young people feel able to ask for help when it is required. However, in the UK the level of mental health related help-seeking in young people is low, and for those who attend post-16 settings, seldom understood. Young people attending post-16 settings have an array of sources from whom help is available, and the role that education plays in supporting the mental health needs of young people has been highlighted in numerous policies and guidance as central to identification, prevention and intervention. Within this context, the present research aimed to: • explore the mental health related help-seeking intentions of young people, including personal attitudes, the attitudes of significant others, and perceived behavioural control; • identify the barriers and facilitators highlighted in the literature which impact help-seeking behaviour, and their relevance to the post-16 population; • explore the views of young people to understand their various experiences and perceptions of help-seeking, the considerations they make when contemplating help-seeking, and the support available for mental health related problems; and, • inform future development of mental health support within post-16 settings to be approachable and effective. The research consisted of two phases. In the first phase, an online survey, informed by available literature and underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour, was carried out with 217 participants from two post-16 settings to answer the research questions related to help-seeking intentions and the factors mediating help-seeking. Data from phase one was analysed using SPSS and content analysis. The second phase consisted of eight semi-structured interviews conducted online to answer research questions related to student experiences of help-seeking, the help available to them and to inform mental health provision. Data from phase two was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings demonstrate that young people attending post-16 settings face a number of barriers which deter them from help-seeking. They feel that more can be done to encourage help-seeking and support mental health needs within their settings but are cognisant of the challenges that settings have with regards to resources. The implications for the work of educational psychologists in post-16 settings to support the mental health needs of young people, are explored