The Early Youth Engagement in first episode psychosis (EYE) project received a 'Highly Commended' accolade in the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards, under the Patient Experience category. The commendation was announced at the Awards ceremony in Newcastle this week.

The RfPB funded EYE project, led by SPRiG director, Kathy Greenwood, but also involving Andy Field and Richard de Visser aimed to improve service user engagement with early intervention in psychosis services. The project commenced with a qualitative study to understand from a service user and young person's perspective, the barriers to engagement. The project went on to develop a new youth focussed service model, incoporating booklets, website, social engagement and staff training, and to test the impact of this model on disengagement from services. The project was nominated by NHS staff in Early Intervention in Psychosis services in Sussex, who are using the model.