We received really good news this month from Comic Relief. Following an application to the fund earlier this year, we heard that we had been successful in securing 70% of the grant application made for a Young People’s Buddying/mentoring scheme (£71,809 in total).

This is a brand new service for children and young people aged 13-19 experiencing mental ill health.

The project will recruit and train young volunteers as buddies/mentors and then match and support them in delivering social based support. Buddies will act as a professional friend who will be able to offer a range of positive interventions. The buddy will take on the role of a broker – identifying and supporting the young person to engage in community activities (including recreational and learning) and empower them to build new relationships and friendships in the community. They will also act as a "listening ear" allowing young people to share information they feel comfortable with, which will in turn encourage positive healthy relationship with his/her buddy. The intervention will be time limited (up to 12 months) but reviewed every 3 months. The buddy will work with the young person to encourage increased confidence, self esteem and independence before the support is decreased and finally withdrawn.

We hope that the project will start in April.  For more information, contact Vibes.