Innovations in Practice: Grow2Grow – engaging hard‐to‐reach adolescents through combined mental health and vocational support outside the clinic setting

BACKGROUND: Based on an organic farm and education centre, Grow2Grow offers young people with complex mental health needs both clinical mental health support and vocational opportunities. METHODS: Change in functioning (CGAS), vocational outcomes and client satisfaction were assessed for all young people completing Grow2Grow placements between June 2010 and July 2014. RESULTS: Twenty-one young people completed Grow2Grow placements, achieving increased CGAS scores (p < .001) and reporting high levels of satisfaction with the project. Eighty-one per cent achieved educational and/or employment outcomes. CONCLUSION: This innovative approach to working with hard-to-reach young people is achieving high levels of engagement and positive vocational and mental health outcomes.