Friday, September 06, 2013

New app to help young people talk about mental health


New app to help young people talk to their GP about mental health
Thursday, 05 September 2013 14:06
Doc-Ready-launch
Staff and young people from Sussex Central YMCA have been celebrating the launch of a new online tool this week, designed to help young people speak to their GP about their mental health.
'Doc Ready' is a digital app which aims to help a young person confidently take control of what happens when they meet with their doctor and allows them to create and print a personal agenda based on their symptoms.
Young people from Sussex Central's 'Right Here' mental health project have been involved with the development of the new app, from the initial concept through to final testing.
Rob Trounce of Sussex Central YMCA says: "Last year we carried out an award-winning research project which found that 36% of young people did not feel comfortable speaking to their doctor about mental health issues. We hope that this tool will help offer reassurance and encourage more young people across the country to seek the help they need."
Actor and mental health campaigner, Stephen Fry, gave the app a 'thumbs up' saying: "The support that Doc Ready gives young people is vital to help them become the healthy and confident adults that they deserve to be. The teenage years are an important period to address mental health issues and Doc Ready is a great tool to help young people through a difficult time."