07 October 2021
A new Saturday wellbeing drop-in service for children, young people and their families will open this weekend, following calls for more accessible mental health services.
The free and confidential service, announced as part of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, has been launched following consultation on the Children and Young People’s Mental Health draft strategy by the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department (CYPES).
A mental health practitioner, working alongside a youth worker will be available every Saturday, at the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) at La Colomberie, St Helier.
They will provide advice and guidance to young people, their parents and carers to ensure that children and families get the right help they need to support their emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
The Assistant Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Trevor Pointon, said: “As part of our consultation on mental health services for young people, we were asked to provide more support services at the weekends. We have listened to these requests and I am delighted to announce the launch of a pilot Youth Wellbeing Drop-In service every Saturday.
“This is a free and confidential service for young people to seek advice, in a safe space, about any mental health or wellbeing concerns that they may have, and I’m grateful to all those in the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department who have worked hard to create this new service.
“Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time of the year and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for everyone to show their support for better mental health services.
“We know that the need for support for mental health and wellbeing, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasing and I’m sure families will welcome this opportunity to get more accessible advice for their children.”
The Youth Wellbeing Drop-In Service will be open from 10am to 6pm, every Saturday, at the Youth Enquiry Service YES Link Building, Eagle House, on La Colomberie.
An online video has more information.
The Youth Wellbeing Drop-In is a free, and informal service to have a confidential chat, have a cup of tea or coffee, or just browse what’s on offer.
There will be a trained mental health practitioner available to answer any questions in a private space and to provide support and guidance from, how to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health issues to how to better manage anxiety, depression self-harm and eating disorders.
A Youth Worker will also be available for general queries and signposting to wellbeing support tools and to help you understand what local support services can help.
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