A life-changing programme is putting vulnerable girls in touch with positive role models.

Southend YMCA has launched Y’s Girls, a programme designed to help young women and girls at risk of developing mental health issues.

The programme connects vulnerable girls aged 9 to 14 with mentors from a range of different backgrounds.

Mentors meet regularly with their mentees over a 12-month period, no more than once a week for two hours, offering a chance to discuss anything that might be worrying them, from family and personal relationships, to lifestyle and education.

Syrie Cox, chief executive of Southend YMCA, said: “With one-in-six children aged 5-16 now identified as having a probable mental disorder, we are all too aware that mental health issues among this age range are rising dramatically.

“The additional pressures of the pandemic, coupled with consistent and damaging cuts to youth services over the last decade, have left many young people isolated and without essential support.

“With that in mind, we’d absolutely love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering their time for the last few slots available on this year’s programme – it really does make a huge difference to the lives of these girls.”

For more information on Y’s Girls or to find out about mentor opportunities, visit: www.southendymca.org.uk/recruitment.