MindWise launches new service to support 11–13 year-olds and their parents

Thu, 11 - March - 2021

We're launching a new service to support 11–13 year-olds and their parents in the Southern Trust and Fermanagh/Omagh areas.

Important transitions take place between the ages of 11 and 13, including a move from primary school to secondary school, becoming a teenager and mixing with new peer groups.

Throughout all of these changes, young people may struggle to adapt which may impact their mental health, bringing out feelings of distress.

Research shows that 75% of mental illnesses start before a child reaches their 18th birthday, while 50% of mental health problems in adult life  take root before the age of 15 (source: The Guardian 2017).

Our service aims to enhance the mental health of children aged 11-13 who may be at risk of developing significant mental health difficulties if early intervention measures are not addressed. We also provide support for the parents/carers of our service users, who may find their mental health is impacted too.

Our new service will take account of the individual needs of each person on the basis that one size does not fit all. Our Programme Of Support has been specially developed for the individual emotional and mental health needs of all our service users.

Programme of support

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is central to the support offered to address each client’s individual concerns. It recognizes that current stress levels may be the result of recent events or rooted in the past. The issues experienced by clients are also highly individual and may include low mood, anxiety, family relationships, school issues, physical illness, bereavement and social isolation.

A support worker/practitioner experienced in a person-centred approach and familiar with the WRAP programme will explore the young person’s needs and together they will agree wellness goals and tools to improve the young person’s sense of wellness and level of resilience.

Self-choice is essential. The young person’s choice to participate or not will be respected.

Confidentiality is key. In line with Safeguarding policies, confidentiality is a priority for all our clients.

Ways to access the service. Referrals may be made to the service through a GP or Social Worker or other practitioner supporting a family, or through your local Family Support Hub. Consent from the young person and their parent/carer is required.