A LIFELINE counselling service has seen a surge in referrals of anxious young people suffering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NHS in mid and south Essex has piloted the project to help children and young people cope with the pressures of lockdown.
The groups said the negative impact of the Covid pandemic led to the development of the service, providing a much-needed support for children and young people who are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and low mood.
The service, launched in August, has helped more than 200 people so far.
Additional cash to extend the service was approved in December and it was enlarged to meet “significant demand”.
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Holly Lord, 19, who has used the service during the Covid pandemic, said: “I met Sue Bell from Kids Inspire and we had a long conversation about what would be best for me and came to the conclusion I should have therapy.
“With my anxiety we decided about connecting my mind to my body.
“I realised how important my body was as well as listening to all the different parts of my anxiety instead of pushing them away.
“It helped me become more assertive and to listen when I need to calm down my anxiety.”
The service is delivered by Kids Inspire, Open Door and South and Central Essex Mind.
It is open to any child aged five to 19 who lives in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford and Mid-Essex.
The aim of the service is to provide short-term, early interventions which enable the young person to be treated before symptoms escalate. The interventions are on average 12 weeks.
Sue Bell, clinical director of Kids Inspire, said: “When Holly came to us, she was really not functioning well.
“She couldn’t do much at all, but she is now going to college and has a university place next year.
“I don’t think that would have happened without the therapy.”
Holly added: “I would really recommend this to other young people. People forget it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
“You think you can do it on your own but sometimes you need help.”
Visit midessexccg.nhs.uk/livewell/startwell/specialist-counselling-service-for-children-and-young-people for more information.
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