Janine GriffithsYoung people in East Leeds can now access same day emotional health support in Seacroft after a well established drop in service moved to its new home on 11 February.
Time For Young People, part of The Children’s Society, has relocated its Wednesday emotional health and wellbeing drop in from Kentmere Community Centre to Imagination Station in Seacroft.
The free service runs every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm and offers instant access, early intervention support. There are no waiting lists and no referrals required. Children and young people can attend and receive support for their emotional health on the same day from trained practitioners.
The new venue is Imagination Station, 35 Ramshead Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14 1HH. The space is wheelchair accessible.
The drop in has been designed to help break down the stigma around seeking support for mental health. Organisers say venues are chosen to create a welcoming, cafe style feel rather than a cold or clinical environment.
Sessions are shaped around the needs of the young person. They can include creative and art based activities or interactive games, depending on what the individual feels most comfortable with.
The service is open to anyone aged 11 to 18. Support is also available for young people up to the age of 25 if they have special educational needs or are care leavers.
Practitioners have supported young people experiencing anxiety, anger, self harm, low self esteem and emotionally based school avoidance, among other issues. The service is not a crisis provision and children presenting in crisis are advised to contact the CAMHS crisis line.
In addition to the drop in, Time For Young People offers free assemblies and workshops in schools. These can focus on specific issues identified by schools, such as anxiety and emotional regulation, or raise awareness of the service, including where it is held and the types of support available. In schools that already have Mental Health Support Teams, the organisation provides awareness raising only.
To help a young person access the drop in, the most up to date information about locations and times is available on the Time For Young People website. Young people are encouraged to complete a short registration form in advance, which takes under 10 minutes, so they can be seen as soon as they arrive. Practitioners can also help complete the form at the session if needed.
The service also runs a Hub in Leeds City Centre on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, featuring an art space, a sensory corner and a range of resources for young people.
