A mental health initiative in North East Lincolnshire is working to stop young people committing offences
The JEFF Project says it's working to help many work through their emotions before it gets too late
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
Support officers in North East Lincolnshire say children still suffer with stigma surrounding mental health - despite being more aware of needing to look after themselves.
A project aiming to stop young children from ending up in the criminal justice system because of mental health says demand means they're often at capacity.
"We believe that every child deserves to grow up in an environment that nurtures their mental wellbeing," said Aimee Kirby, Youth Justice Lead Practitioner at The JEFF Project.
This initiative aims to destigmatise mental health issues and encourage children and young people to recognise the early signs of mental health issues in themselves before it gets too serious. It encourages them to ask for help by creating awareness of mental health support services and charities that are available in North East Lincolnshire.
Aimee continued to say that it's about prevention:
"By launching this campaign, we hope to create a positive impact on children's mental health and encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing which will help to prevent serious mental health issues developing later.
"Things that a child may have experienced during their earlier years, that has then sat with them, and they've just carried that with them into adolescence and adulthood. I remember somebody said, 'just because I wear it well doesn't mean it isn't heavy.'
"Sometimes a young person can experience something, and just sit with it and continue, it's about us helping that child to understand what happens then. So that then, when they make decisions as teenagers, they're in control of that emotion."
With the challenges faced by children today, such as academic pressure, social media influence, and the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is crucial to prioritise their mental wellbeing.
The JEFF Project was launched in 2022 and provides early intervention mental health and emotional wellbeing support to children and young people in North East Lincolnshire, who are on the youth justice pathway, or who are at risk of entering this due to childhood adversity or trauma.
As part of the campaign, The JEFF Project is working with local schools, leisure centres and community centres across North East Lincolnshire where they display mental health stickers which will have quotes on them that are relatable, inspiring, and age-appropriate for children and young people. These quotes are designed to resonate with children and young people and encourage them to seek help when needed.
The stickers will be displayed in public areas such as changing rooms, on mirrors and restrooms. The stickers will cover a wide range of topics, including; exploring emotions, body image, relationships, anxiety, low mood, panic attacks and building resilience. The campaign provides free downloadable resources, and tools to help children and young people understand their emotions.
The JEFF Project invites individuals and organisations to join the campaign by spreading awareness through social media using the tag @jeffprojectnel and hashtag #FindYourYou. If local businesses and organisations would like to show support and get involved with the campaign by displaying stickers and posters in their shops they can find out more on their website.
By promoting mental health awareness and providing accessible information about support services and resources, we can contribute to a healthier and more supportive community for our children and young people.