Developing support for young people—so they don’t have to wait.
What is the WAIT LESS study?
Many children and young people who need mental health support face long waiting times. Waiting months—or even years—for help can be challenging for both young people and their families.
The WAIT LESS study aims to provide meaningful support during this waiting period.
We are developing a digital resource called MyMindWorks, designed to help young people manage low mood and symptoms of depression while they wait for treatment.
MyMindWorks is based on Brief Psychosocial Intervention (BPI)—a proven, face-to-face therapy used by clinicians in Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), also known as CAMHS. Our goal is to adapt this approach into an accessible, engaging digital format that young people can use independently.
“We’ve seen clear benefits of involving young people in the Wait Less project. Both groups appreciated the supportive environment and connections they’ve made, and the sense of fulfilment from being involved in the research.
“Through early and ongoing engagement from young people and parents, the Wait Less project has helped to ensure that the digital intervention is relevant and accessible for young people on mental health waiting lists for depression.” - Research Assistant, Dominique Grohmann
Why this matters
- Long waiting lists can delay access to vital mental health support
- Early intervention can improve outcomes for young people
- Digital tools offer flexible, accessible support during periods of uncertainty
WAIT LESS is working to bridge the gap between referral and treatment.
Co-design and collaboration
Young people and families are at the heart of this project.
We have worked closely with:
- Young people with lived experience
- Parents and carers
- Mental health clinicians
Together, we have:
- Explored experiences of waiting lists
- Co-developed the MyMindWorks resource
- Conducted initial user testing
This collaborative approach ensures the resource is relevant, practical, and supportive.
Current study
We are now conducting a study to understand whether using MyMindWorks is more helpful than waiting for treatment as usual.
Who can take part?
We are currently recruiting:
- Young people aged 12–17 years
- On a waiting list for support for low mood or depression
- Receiving care through Berkshire or Central and North West London CAMHS
If you have been contacted by CAMHS staff or a researcher, you can find more detailed information about taking part on our participant information page.
Meet the team
Advisory groups
Our advisory groups include young people, parents/carers, and clinicians who continue to guide the project's development.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the study, please contact us:
Email: waitless@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Follow us
Stay up to date with the project:
Publications and reports
- Goodyer, I. et al. (2025). Building a digital intervention to support young people with disordered mood and on the waiting list to optimise safety, acceptability and effectiveness. The British Journal of Psychiatry.
- WAIT LESS: Developing an electronic treatment for depression in young people, with young people. NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre
