40% of Dorset young people don't know where to turn for mental health advice
Two new campaigns have launched this week
Over 40% of young people in Dorset “don’t know” how to access mental health advice and a further 19% “weren’t sure” how to access it.
This week, Dorset’s Suicide Prevention Group has been highlighting the wide range of mental heath support available to children and young people in Dorset through 24/7 crisis helplines, NHS services and local charities.
Now, two new campaigns have launched, one named “RUOK?” and the other referred to as the “0-25 Knowledge Hub”.
RUOK? will use social media and digital channels to highlight the different ways young people can access mental health support.
Meanwhile, the Knowledge Hub provides a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support, searchable by age and area.
Mike Bennett, CEO of Dorset Youth, said:
“The 0-25 Knowledge Hub has been designed by young people for young people, to help them find information, support and advice nationally but more importantly, locally.
“You may not know that there is an organisation that is down the road that can support you now. The Knowledge Hub helps raise the visibility of these services.”
Will, a young peer specialist from Dorset Mental Health Forum, but shared what it’s like to seek help:
“It's one of the most important things I ever did for my mental health.
But Will also understand how difficult it is for young people to reach out for help, he added: “It was one of the most vulnerable things I've done in my life. At the same time, it was the single best thing I did for my wellbeing and recovery.”
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at BCP Council said:
“Children’s Mental Health Week is so important. Good mental health positively impacts every area of children’s development, from their learning and creativity to the relationships they form.”