Using systems thinking tools to explore mental health

As we transition into the Implementation phase of the Kailo programme, we’re excited to share the findings of some of the systems work we’ve done with young people and communities in Newham and Northern Devon. The goal of this work was to get to the heart of what’s really driving poor mental health in these areas. To do that, we brought people together using a method called Group Model Building (GMB). This approach allowed us to bring everyone onto the same page, navigate complex challenges, and help to uncover the often-hidden factors that affect mental health. 

What is group model building?

Group Model Building is a hands-on way for people to explore and understand the systems around them—especially when the problems are as complex as mental health. It gave us the perfect tool to untangle how different factors like poverty, access to support, and relationships are connected and how they impact young people’s wellbeing. 

During our sessions in Newham and Northern Devon, we used GMB as a part of the Deeper Discovery process to better understand the big issues these communities face. We called these “Opportunity Areas” (you can view Northern Devon’s here and Newham’s here) and explored themes like mental health awareness, diverse opportunities, and local challenges such as violence. By working together, we were able to connect the dots, showing how different factors related to mental health influence young peoples’ experiences.  

Highlights of our sessions

Across three sessions, the four small circles groups in both areas created complex, interconnected system maps that told the story of what’s really going on in their communities. These sessions followed a clear process: 

• Session 1: Everyone came together to think through and map out how challenges related to their opportunity area have changed over time. They then listed the different causes of those changes and began to show how they relate to each other. 

• Session 2: We took those connections and dug deeper, uncovering the ways different factors influence each other—sometimes in surprising and even circular ways (what we call “feedback loops”). This session helped visually how complicated the system really is. 

• Session 3: With a better understanding of the system, the group then identified where we could have the biggest impact. They fine-tuned their maps and pinpointed the key areas that, if changed, could improve young people’s mental health the most. 

The system maps developed from the sessions—also known as causal loop diagrams (CLDs)—aren’t just interesting to look at; they’re now being used to guide real action in Newham and Northern Devon. They show the full picture of what young people are dealing with and provide a roadmap for tackling the biggest challenges. 

A Community-Driven Approach to Change 

In Newham and Northern Devon, these system maps are already being shared with local leaders—from council members to youth organisations—to ensure the right people are involved in shaping solutions. This shared understanding is a big step towards building lasting change in these communities. 

From Mapping to Action 

We’re now using the insights from these system maps to develop targeted solutions that directly address the challenges young people are facing. These maps help simplify the complexity of the situation and make it easier for decision-makers to see where change is needed most. 

This journey is far from over, and as we move into the next phases, we’ll continue to refine our understanding and strengthen our partnerships with local communities. Together, we’re ensuring the solutions we design are not just well-informed but also meaningful and impactful for the people who need them most. 

Keep an eye out for more updates as we move forward into this exciting phase of the Kailo programme! And if you’re interested in the next phase of work in either Newham or Northern Devon, then do get in touch with the sites leaders from each spot via their home pages.