The founder of a group which supports parents of young people with mental health issues has been recognised for her work with a national award.
Wendy Minhinnett, from Spennymoor, was the winner of the Parent/Carer/Sibling category at the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Positive Practice Awards.
In partnership with the local Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Wendy founded the Rollercoaster Parent Support Group in 2015 to help those supporting young people with mental health issues after experiencing the struggles first hand.
Those attending the parent sessions have heard from guest speakers on topics including self-harm, anxiety, treatment options and positive thinking.
The group is funded through NHS North Durham and Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Groups’ (CCGs) CAMHS transformation funding, and is contracted through Durham County Council to deliver support across the county.
Tricia Reed, strategic commissioning manager at Durham County Council, said: “This is a very well-deserved award for Wendy, who has been an inspiration for parents of young people dealing with mental health issues, as well as being a role model for other professionals working within the field.
“Her hard work and dedication has made a real difference to people’s lives and we know the Rollercoaster Parent Support Group and the help and advice it provides is highly valued across the county.”
Wendy’s award recognises a group or individual parent, carer or sibling whose partnership working with CAMHS has led to an improvement in services by the closer involvement of families.
Michelle Haggar, senior commissioning support officer at North of England Commissioning Support (NECS), said: “The support through the group has enabled us to co-commission and develop crisis pathways so we can reach out to families that have the greatest need.
“Wendy’s dedication, determination and insight into being a parent of a child with mental health issues have made a huge difference.
“Parents have told us the Rollercoaster project is making a difference for them; they feel less isolated and have picked up tips and strategies to help them cope and help support their child. One of the biggest benefits is that parents feel that their voices are being heard.”
For more information contact parentsupport@success.coop
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