New Leeds website to tackle young mental health!
A new NHS website, http://www.mindmate.org.uk, has been launched for children and young people in Leeds with the aim of providing better support for their mental health.
The website, designed with input from children and young people, is just one of a raft of measures being implemented by the NHS in Leeds and Leeds City Council this year to tackle the issue of young people’s mental health – an issue estimated to affect thousands of children and young people in the city.
Children and young people from Leeds have shaped everything about the MindMate website from the look and language, to the key issues they want it to focus on such as bullying, self-harm, stress and depression.
Aimed at 12-19 year-olds, the website aimsto promote emotional wellbeing by providing access to tips, resources and strategies that young people can use to support themselves better – whether they have been diagnosed with a mental health problem, simply feel they need a boost or are struggling to cope. There are also signposts to emotional and mental health services for young people in Leeds. Parents, carers and professionals can also use the site for advice / guidance on best supporting young people.
Corey Smith, 19, from Drighlington, was involved in the development of the MindMate website. He said: “Being involved with MindMate has shown me that there are many mental health services available for young people in Leeds – quite a few that I had no idea existed. I think it’s a fantastic resource for young people and people involved with their care. It assures young people that mental health is important and that it is okay to ask for help if you need it and to talk about it with others.”
To see an animated video on the Mindmate site, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg9DQ6unTNz4dNLYDJPLl3A
Promotional posters and minicards are available to order by emailing LSECCG.Comms@nhs.net
What’s happening in the future?
Are you a young person aged between 16 and 26, living in Leeds? Would you like to develop skills to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing? Are you interested in Peer Support, and taking part in group work?
The THRU (Talk, Help, Relate, Understand) Project (led by Leeds Mind and The Market Place*) is delivering a 6 week pilot course. It will take place on Tuesday evenings, starting in November, from 5pm at The Market Place, Leeds City Centre. Please contact Jude for more information: admin@themarketplaceleeds.org.uk/ 01132 461 659
*The Market Place offers information and support for young people aged 13–25. Young people can access mental health, sexual health and crisis support through either the Drop In, Counselling or Youth Work Support services. Please contact 0113 246 1659 for more information.
From 11th January, there will be a simplified system for GPs and other health and social care professionals to refer children and young people into, if they identify that the child or young person has a need for emotional or mental health support. The Leeds MindMate Single Point of Access (SPA) will have a dedicated team who will work with the individual and their family to find the right support, which could include a range of services from self help through to CAMHS. For more information, click here.
Contact details for the Leeds MindMate Single Point of Access (SPA) will be circulated in due course.
In a related blog, the four Members of Youth Parliament for Leeds talk to you about their current national campaign for better mental health support for young people…
