Launched on Monday at a mental health conference organised by Connexions Humber, the report revealed that personal advisers felt they lacked the specialist knowledge to recognise problems in young people. They also did not know enough terminology to effectively communicate with mental health specialists.
The report, produced in partnership with mental health charity Mind, the local NHS trust and the University of Hull's psychiatry department, is based on an 18-month study in two secondary schools.
Martin Patrick, manager for special education needs and assessment at Connexions Humber, said: "The project sought to improve access to mental health care for young people by treating personal advisers and teachers as primary care workers who are part of the Children and Mental Health Services Inter-Agency Link Team." The report recommends that advisers form links with primary care agencies and adult services for post-16s. It also states the importance of identifying training needs for personal advisers.
