Care leavers get mental health support in pilot programme
Joe Lepper
Thursday, December 12, 2019
A programme has been launched to combat mental health issues among care leavers and help them find work.
The SideBySide programme is run by the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) in response to mental health challenges and loneliness faced by care leavers.
Many are “thrust into the adult world before they are ready, facing a life without support of family and friends that so many take for granted”, NYAS says.
Those with experience of care are between four and five times more likely to attempt suicide in adulthood, according to the charity.
It also cites figures showing that half of those in care have, or develop a mental illness.
Care leavers are also 25 times more likely to be homeless than those without experience of being in care, the NYAS says.
NYAS has true cause to celebrate this Christmas with the launch of the SidebySide programme. A new project which will provide much needed support to care leavers.
— NYASservices (@NYASServices) December 12, 2019
See more here:https://t.co/3sDIVxFzgF pic.twitter.com/2aH6vKi413
The programme includes access to a support volunteer for a minimum of a year, up to 10 hours support from one of the charity’s independent advocates as well as evening and weekend access to a free helpline.
Ahead of a wider national roll-out it is being trialled in three council areas during 2020, involving up to 30 care leavers.
The charity says that Wirral council has been confirmed to take part and discussions are to take place with Manchester and Warrington councils for the other pilots.
An information pack to signpost further support is also available.
In addition, there is support on employment issues including job interview techniques, apprenticeships and work placements.
Young people supported are also offered free training to become a mentor to other care leavers.
“Young people tell us they’re missing the skills and trusted people they need to help them navigate this new chapter in their lives,” said NYAS chief executive Rita Waters.
“Some lack a positive adult role model, while others struggle to access education, employment, health services, or to maintain financial security.”
She added: “Care leavers are talented, resourceful and skilled young people. They are aspirational, they want more, they want to do well, and to belong. We need to help them be the best that they can be and want for them what we would want for our own children.”
Last month NYAS called for urgent action to ensure the mental health needs of looked after children and care leavers are met before they reach crisis point.
Its report Looked After Minds called for children receiving mental health support to have access to an advocate to help them access support.