Researchers sought to jointly develop a preparation programme for transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) with young service users and recent leavers from three NHS mental health trusts. Creative research methods were used within two day-long sessions of exercises, discussions and games, and the approach independently evaluated. This article reports these evaluation findings.

In the main, we found that creative and participatory methods offer a safe and relaxed yet fun and stimulating environment, conducive to thinking ‘differently’ about future mental health support. Young people were able and keen to have a voice in identifying important preparations, mechanisms and processes in transitioning from CAMHS. Challenges to working in this way within a relatively short timescale included institutional and procedural delays affecting recruitment, and resulting in smaller than intended group sizes. The research team endeavoured to minimise the impact of these challenges. Collaboration with NHS partners was a main strength in this project, enabling research findings to contribute directly to a review of policy and practice.