Rooting research in reality: reflections on my work in the CAMHS crisis team

As part of my PhD fellowship, I spend one day every fortnight working with the CAMHS crisis team in Leeds. When I first started, I thought this would just be a way to keep my clinical skills up – but I am already realising how crucial this experience is for making my research useful and relevant.

The CAMHS crisis team provides vital support to young people who come to A&E with a mental health challenge, most commonly after they hurt themselves. The work is challenging and emotional, but it offers an unfiltered view of the struggles that young people and their families face – and the gaps in the systems that are meant to help them. I see firsthand the difficult decisions young people and their families have to make when they’re at their most vulnerable.

Young people and their families often come to hospital because there is nowhere else to turn. Many are just looking for help, but the system isn’t always set up to give them what they need. At the same time, I see the dedication of the healthcare teams working tirelessly to provide care, even with such limited resources and increasing demand.

This brings me back to what my EmCASH study is all about – improving emergency care for young people after self-harm. My research is trying to figure out what works and why, and how we can redesign services to meet young people’s real needs.

Working alongside my colleagues in CAMHS ensures that my research stays grounded in what’s happening on the frontlines. It lets me to see the barriers and successes in real time and to reflect on how the findings from EmCASH can be translated into practical changes. This isn’t just about gathering and analysing data – it’s about finding ways to support the incredible teams who work with young people in crisis and to create a better experience for the young people and families who need these services.

In the end, research and clinical practice can’t live in separate worlds. By staying rooted in real-life experiences, we can ensure our research doesn’t just sit on a shelf – it actually helps make a difference for the people who need it.

If you feel like you're struggling with your mental health, here are some places you can turn to for help:

●      Leeds CAMHS Crisis call line (under 18s): 0800 953 0505 (8am-8pm every day)

●      West Yorkshire Night OWLS: 0800 1488 244 (8pm-8am every day)

●      Teen Connect (11-18 year olds): 0808 800 1212 or text 07984 436680 (Mon-Fri 3.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 6pm-2am)

●      Shout (24/7 text service): 85258

●      Samaritans (24/7 phone service): 116 123

●      Contact your GP (family doctor) or call 111 (Option 2 for mental health support)

●      If you are unable to keep yourself safe, please call for an ambulance (999) or bring yourself to your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department