The CYMHO engaged with CES on how best to approach the development of an Action Plan in a structured, methodological way.
Assure alignment with key recommendations for CYMHS
CES mapped each recommendation from the various reports and identified emerging themes that could be consolidated into specific workstreams or projects.
By aligning and embedding all published recommendations within the Action Plan, we were able to ensure transparency and reassure our stakeholders that recommendations were being progressed in a targeted way. This was a critically important first step.
Develop Working Draft of the Action Plan
Upon agreeing on our proposed approach with project sponsors, CES developed a first iteration of the Action Plan which included overarching aims of the office, 16 key priorities that the office will progress, practical step by step actions to achieve them, indicative timelines, and expected impacts for children, young people and their families upon delivery.
Refine content using structured approach
The objectives and associated actions that underpinned the Action Plan were reviewed, refined and updated by the project team as the rest of the plan was developed through a series of workshops and focus groups. CES facilitated several workshops with key internal HSE stakeholders deemed integral to the delivery of key Action Plan priorities and made further updates in response to feedback as appropriate.
Develop supporting content
To ensure the Action Plan was as accessible and engaging as possible to readers, CES crafted extensive additional content to accompany the core actions and deliverables, including an executive summary, vision statement, guiding principles, and details on expected challenges and risks to delivery. The CES design team also produced several infographics to distil key information in a succinct way.
Stakeholder Engagement
CES worked with the CYMHO to develop a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan. This was vital in assuring ‘buy in’ to the Action Plan as much of its effective delivery will depend on continued support from HSE Regions, local CAMHS teams and the NGO/VCS sector working in mental health.
CES developed several tailored, bespoke presentations for specific stakeholder groups including HSE CAMHS staff, NGO/VCS sector and professional bodies and associations that were used at webinar and in-person engagement events.
Support Delivery
Following the completion of the Action Plan in September 2024, CES has supported the CYMHO to develop programme delivery structures that will enable the implementation, oversight and management of this ambitious transformational service improvement programme.
The development and publication of the CYMH Action Plan has, for the first time, provided healthcare professionals, service users (young people and their families), regulators, NGO and VCS partners and the wider public with a targeted and ambitious plan to improve child and youth mental health services. Its publication offers reassurance to readers that youth mental health services are, and will continue to be, a priority for the HSE.
The Action Plan anchors the work of the CYMHO. It has informed the development of more detailed programme roadmaps by including key milestones, outputs and timelines for the 16 priority deliverables of the CYMH service improvement programme. It will also be used to guide wider engagements with the HSE regions in the year ahead as we move towards implementation. Finally, it is, by design, intended to be an iterative, dynamic document that is reviewed periodically by the CYMHO, and updated to align with emerging evidence or changes to legislation or public policy.
The Action Plan for the reform of child and youth mental health services in Ireland was published by the HSE on 18th February.
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said:
‘’Establishing the Child and Youth Mental Health Office was an absolute priority for me over the last few years, and I am really pleased to see this Action Plan now published. The plan provides an ambitious vision which will be the foundation for real and vital change in our mental health services on the ground.”
You can find the Action Plan here
To speak to our team about this work contact us here
