The Well Centre is based in Streatham, South London.
It is a youth health centre where young people aged 11-20 can see a youth worker, counsellor or doctor to discuss any of their health concerns or worries in a safe and confidential space. It was established in 2011 to offer better access to health care for young people who often do not access primary care services.
The Centre has strong links with local secondary schools who will often direct young people to the Centre. The Centre is open to all young people.
All young people who come to the Centre will have a joint assessment with a GP and a youth worker and this includes a mental health screening test. If the screening identifies that the young person has a mental health need, this is triaged by the GP.
The youth workers based at the Well Centre can offer solution focused counselling for those young people with lower levels of need.
A Band 7 mental health nurse, funded by Lambeth CCG and Children in Need, seconded from South London and Maudsley Trust, is available to support those with higher levels of need.
The youth workers are commissioned by four local secondary schools to provide additional support including training and offering lessons through PSHE.
The model offers greater health access to a population of young people often not using traditional primary care services and has very strong links to secondary education settings.