A program to support young people with complex social problems attending A&E is to be expanded at a Lanarkshire hospital.
The Youth Navigator program run by Medics Against Violence supports young people aged 12 to 16 who arrive at the emergency department in distress.
The service provides Youth Navigators, trained youth workers who identify the support young people need and provide practical support to help them access relevant long-term support.
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Funding of £64,000 from the Scottish Government will enable us to expand our services to Wishaw University Hospital and pilot a youth navigator program in schools.
Minister for Mental Health Marie Todd said: “Piloting the extension of the Youth Navigator program to Wishaw University Hospital and trialing a new Youth Navigator approach, deploying Youth Navigators in partnership with Taylor High in New Stevenson, Lanarkshire. We are pleased to announce additional funding for ‘Their Children’ in their schools.
“The Youth Navigator program has supported over 600 young people since its launch in mid-2021.
“Further support for this program adds to the significant investment we are already making to improve the mental health and wellbeing support provided to children, young people and their families in Scotland. is.
“This funding is the result of the Scottish Government listening to children, young people and families and taking direct action in areas where they say more support is needed.
“Ensuring that all children and young people have access to the right mental health and wellbeing support at the right time, as shown by our continued record investment in this sector, is a priority for this Government. It’s an important priority for us.”
The initiative has supported more than 600 young people since 2021, most of whom were experiencing problems with their mental health and wellbeing. Some people experience chronic suicidal thoughts and feelings that may be associated with family, peer group, or bullying issues, while others experience more severe suicidal thoughts and feelings and may be putting themselves in harm’s way. Masu.
Professor Christine Goodall, co-director and founder of Medics Against Violence, said:
“The approach to youth work that Youth Navigators takes supports safer futures by providing young people with a trusted adult to talk to about their feelings and what matters most to them. You can make a plan for it.
“Expanding programs in hospital settings is sorely needed and requested by hospitals.The new approach of having youth navigators in school settings takes prevention further upstream and helps young people face the challenges they face. It helps to try to support problems before they reach a crisis point that requires medical intervention. ”
One young person who receives support from the program but did not wish to be identified added: It’s what I’ve always wanted.
“I’m so grateful to everyone involved. They really made a difference in my life.”
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