Mikeysline in Inverness sets up new service for secondary school children
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A NEW service is being piloted in the Highlands to help young people experiencing emotional distress or mental issues.
It is being launched by suicide prevention charity, Mikeysline, at the start of Children's Mental Health Week and will be mainly aimed at those of secondary school age.
The new service starts on Monday and aims to encourage young people to reach out for support if they are struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings and their mental health in general.
It will offer one-on-one support alongside a safe place to talk and signposts to further support if needed.
Mikeysline service manager Emily Stokes said the charity also aimed to teach coping strategies to help regulate emotions, where this will be helpful to the individual.
She noted February 1 marked the start of Children’s Mental Health Week.
"There has arguably never been a more important time to support young people’s mental wellbeing," she said.
"Whether it be home schooling or a lack of social interaction, the pandemic has added extra pressures onto the already stressful life of a young person.
"The service is mainly aimed at those in secondary schools in need of assistance."
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, support will be offered remotely with a view to also offering face-to-face sessions when this is possible. These will be held at Mikeysline's Inverness base at the Hive in Academy Street.
The programme has been funded by the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Reach Grant as well as through funding from Highlands and Island Enterprise’s Communities Recovery Fund.
The initial service will run for a year, with the aim and hope that the charity can gain further finance to continue it.
It will operate from Monday to Thursday between 4pm and 5.40pm as well as Friday and Saturday running from 2pm to 5.30pm.
Outwith these times, young people are encouraged to use Mikeysline’s text-based support options.
Until an online booking system is under way, young people can contact Mikeysline by emailing yp@mikeysline.co.uk to book an appointment.
The charity’s adult service is also currently available.
Although Mikeysline’s Hive drop-in centre is currently closed due to government guidelines, this service will re-open as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Mikeysline offers a call back service for those who would like to talk in more detail over the phone during this period. Mikeysline also offers Live Chat, Twitter or Messenger support as well as a Textline service at 07786207755.
The text-based services remain unaffected during this lockdown and are open every evening.
