Improving mental health services with and for indigenous and ethnic minority youth

There is currently little information available regarding the mental health of indigenous and ethnic minority youth and their needs for digital mental health support. What is their mental health status? What are their needs for digital mental health services? Are they familiar with and satisfied with the communication channel ung.no and the available services? How do they believe the services should be adapted to meet their mental health needs? The website ung.no is run by the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs.

The InvolveMENT project involves youth from national minorities, indigenous backgrounds, and refugees throughout all stages of the research. We will conduct surveys and interview studies to learn about their experiences and needs. This knowledge will form the basis for a collaborative process that includes youth, professional groups from the health and welfare services, and representatives from the Norwegian Directorate of Health to adapt ung.no. The adapted service will be tested in a study to determine whether youth from minority backgrounds are satisfied with the service and whether it contributes to improving their mental health. The cost-effectiveness and security of the service will also be tested.

Collaborating partners

The InvolveMENT project is a collaboration between:

• University of Stavanger, SHARE – Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences
• UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU North), Faculty of Health Sciences
• Queen Mary University of London (UK)
• The Norwegian Directorate of Health
• Norgga Sámiid Riikkasearvi - Norwegian Sámi association
• Kvääninuoret - Kven Youth
• Finnmarkssykehuset HF, Sámi klinihkka, Samisk nasjonal kompetansetjeneste – psykisk helsevern og rus (SANKS)
• Helse Stavanger HF, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care
• Stavanger Municipality
• Competence center for lived experience and service development (KBT)
• Self-help for Immirgants and Refugees (SEIF)