We’re proud to announce that LifeLine has begun delivering a new programme of mental health support for young people in Barking and Dagenham thanks to funding from Barking and Dagenham Council.
Our SW!TCH Minds team will be carrying out one-to-one mentoring, using our tried-and-tested VIP mentoring approach, with approximately 30 young people in schools around the borough over the next year.
In order to help them find their vision, identity, and purpose, mentees take part in a shared journey with their mentor as they work towards clear and personalised goals for their future.
Mentors ensure that the young person’s unique needs remain at the heart of the mentoring process, while acting as a trusted adult they can share with—something that many may be missing in their life.
This work will be supported by a weekly session of positive activity—such as sports, arts and crafts, or workshops—held within the community.
These activities give young people a space to meet new people and make friends while keeping active and learning new skills.
They also allow our team to interact with mentees and other young people from the wider community in a more relaxed setting and provide advice and guidance as needed.
Notably, this work will be carried out in conjunction with the local Mental Health Support Team, a team of qualified mental health practitioners from the area’s NHS trust who act a bridge between education and health.
The MHST work with schools to provide better mental health support for young people, including short-term interventions for young people with mild/non-complex mental health difficulties.
