Youth workers sent into hospital to boost children's emotional health

The year-long pilot scheme, which starts work next week, will see two youth workers visiting the children's ward at King's Mill Hospital three evenings a week.

While at the Sutton-in-Ashfield hospital the youth workers will support 10- to 19-year-olds through a variety of one-to-one and group activities, including interactive games and arts and crafts.

When young people leave the hospital the youth workers will signpost them to youth services in the community so that they can access on-going support.

"When children are in hospital they can be more isolated, so this initiative will help to provide them with vital support at a time when they are vulnerable," said councillor Tracey Taylor, vice-chairman of the council's children and young people's committee.

The youth workers will have a particular focus on building the young people's emotional resilience.

"The number of mental health admissions can be a real challenge for children's wards," said councillor Stuart Ward, chairman of Nottinghamshire's public health committee.

"The primary role for youth workers will be to act as an advocate and provide additional support for young people through youth work activities and early help, in order to help to build their emotional wellbeing and resilience."

The pilot is being paid for by Nottinghamshire Council's public health department and by Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group.