We’re excited to celebrate our Children and Young People (CYP) Mental Health Services at North London NHS Foundation Trust for winning the HSJ Awards 2025 in the category of Improving Health Outcomes for Minority Ethnic Communities!

This award honours the team's outstanding Quality Improvement (QI) project focused on improving equitable access to mental health services for Children and Young People in North London. What began as a passionate QI initiative has grown into a nationally recognised initiative for inclusive care.

A huge congratulations to King Agyapong, the project lead and the entire CYP divisional staff for their commitment, collaboration and drive to make impactful improvement. Your efforts have not only improved services but also ensured that the voices of minority ethnic groups were heard and valued.

Using QI methods, the team identified and addressed key barriers such as stigma and mistrust, especially within faith communities by fostering trust and meaningful connections. 

Change ideas successfully tested and embedded into routine practice include: 

• Outreach in schools, youth centres and faith groups 
• Community wellbeing clinics 
• Mental health training for educators, community mental health leaders and parents 
• Diverse role models leading open conversations
• Public events to normalise mental health discussions 
• Safe spaces for young people 
• Youth Board to drive continuous improvement

 Key Learnings:

• Leadership support enables project success
• Youth voices crucial in shaping improvement ideas
• Inclusive data and insights deepen understanding of barriers and guides targeted improvements
• Partnerships with community and faith leaders enhance success and long-term sustainability