Supporting people while they wait
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has formally launched While You Wait, a dedicated area on its website providing trusted NHS approved guidance and support for people who are waiting for mental health, ADHD and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The While You Wait area has been developed in direct response to patient feedback, to ensure people have access to trusted support and guidance while they are waiting for care. Young people with experience of CAMHS, along with people with ADHD, were involved in shaping the language, look and feel of the website.
It offers clear, practical information and signposting to support people's wellbeing during the waiting period. All content has been developed with NHS clinicians and reviewed to ensure it is safe, reliable and easy to understand. It includes advice to help people better understand their mental health, practical tips for managing day to day challenges and links to additional trusted support.
While You Wait is not a replacement for clinical assessment or treatment. Instead, it has been designed to support people now, alongside existing services and to help reduce uncertainty and anxiety while people wait.
The While You Wait area currently includes:
- Mental health wellbeing advice for adults
- ADHD information for adults, including practical advice for education, work, sleep and daily life
- Guidance for children, young people and families awaiting CAMHS support
- Clear signposting to further NHS and voluntary sector support
Dr Bhanu Chadalavada, LPT's Chief Medical Officer, said:
We know that waiting for mental health services, including adult mental health services, child and adolescent mental health support or an ADHD assessment or treatment can be a difficult time. The website provides practical guidance, strategies and signposting so people feel more informed and supported while they wait. While You Wait is not a replacement for care, but a way of supporting people alongside our services.
Alongside the public launch, the Trust is encouraging staff and partner organisations, including GPs, schools, colleges and voluntary sector groups, to routinely signpost people to While You Wait as a source of trusted information while they are waiting.
The Trust plans for While You Wait to continue to grow over time, with new content added as further services are included.
While You Wait is part of LPT's wider work to reduce health inequalities by making sure people have access to clear, reliable and accessible information. Providing trusted guidance in one place helps remove some of the barriers people face in getting the right support while they wait for care.
The While You Wait resource is available here.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) also offers a 'waiting well' programme for young people, children, families and carers across Northamptonshire.
NHFT's iDiscover programme is a free community designed by and for young people, children, parents and carers to help them build confidence, learn new skills and manage their health and wellbeing. Support ranges from free courses and workshops, such as how to get better sleep, to practical tools and resources, helpful apps and advice on how to connect with local health services.
Together, these waiting well offers show a shared commitment to helping people feel empowered, informed and supported while they wait for care.