Medway i-THRIVE Mental Health Directory

Overview

During an Emotional Wellbeing Partnership, initial development tool place mapping services onto a spreadsheet. It was identified that although many knew of local services, they often lacked accurate, up-to-date information about what each offered.

This slowed early intervention and sometimes led to unnecessary referrals to specialist services such as CAMHS. In response, a THRIVE needs-based mapping tool was developed to provide an easily navigable overview of local and national support through clear filtering options.

Testing showed the tool helped professionals quickly find appropriate services, saving 5–30 minutes per search, improving new staff induction, and increasing confidence in only referring young people to secondary care when necessary.

One individual fed back:

A communications tour and pre-recorded demo promoted wider use, and a printable PDF of core commissioned services was created for those who prefer a static version.

While families are keen to access this information, the current tool is not suitable for public use. Work will begin with a newly commissioned service (launching 2026) to create a family-focused directory. In the meantime, the website has been redesigned to align with THRIVE needs based groupings and present information in an accessible format.

Development involved the Emotional Wellbeing Partnership, followed by trials with a Primary Care Network, Mental Health Leads forum, and specialist services—each contributing insights that shaped the final tool. The directory also highlights service availability for Medway residents and identifies gaps for future commissioning. To ensure accuracy and continued relevance, bi-annual quality assurance meetings have been established.

i-THRIVE in Action

Common Language: The i-THRIVE directory helps familiarise individuals with theneeds led categories and encourage use of these in practice.

Needs-Led: Filters by need rather than service name, encouraging broader, moreappropriate options.

Shared decision making and Children and Young People’s Voice: Supports person-centred care, listening to what the child or young person feels is important.

Proactive, Prevention & Promotion: Promotes a range of proactive, preventative services enabling support earlier, helping to reduce potentially escalating needs.

Partnership Working: Co-developed with key Emotional Wellbeing Partnership members. Where directory champions are aware of any changes to services or new services, they can add them to the directory. Service users can also email to make an update.

Reducing Stigma: Through equipping professionals with knowledge of available services, it empowers children and young people to seek support confidently, helping reduce barriers to access.

Accessibility: Provides quick, clear information, reduces inappropriate referrals, and supports a “no wrong door” approach so that if someone seeks support, they can help them find the right place in a timelier manner.

Conclusion and next steps

Developed through strong partnership working and shaped by user feedback, the iThrive supports early intervention, reduces inappropriate referrals, and supports embedding of the core principles of the THRIVE framework.

Quality assuring and reviewing the tool will continue through the thrive directory champions group, building on their feedback. Alongside this, will be raising awareness of the THRIVE framework and promoting the new tool through a bookable THRIVE workshop.