Southend YMCA has launched a new programme to support young women and girls who are at risk of developing mental health issues.
Y’s Girls will team up with social workers, schools and the police to connect vulnerable young women – aged between nine and 14 – with mentors from a range of different backgrounds in south Essex.
The programme will provide proactive and preventative intervention to young women and girls seen as most at risk of developing mental health issues, with mentors being recruited and trained by Southend YMCA.
Syrie Cox, chief executive of Southend YMCA, is calling on members of the community to get involved and become role models for those needing a helping hand.
She said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching this vital mentorship and support programme to vulnerable young women and girls in Southend and the surrounding areas.
“We would love to hear from anyone locally who would be keen to get involved.
“With one-in-six children aged between five and 16 now identified as having a probable mental disorder, an increase from one-in-nine just three years ago, we are all too aware that mental health issues among this age range are rising dramatically.
“The chance to offer that much-needed time and support at such a critical stage is invaluable.”
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Mentors will regularly meet up with those needing assistance over a 12-month period, where informal discussions will range from looking at family and personal relationships to lifestyle and education.
Ms Cox feels the launch of Y’s Girls comes at the perfect time.
She added: “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.
“Projects like Y’s Girls provide a much-needed bridge within our youth work, helping to reach vulnerable young women and girls in their time of need.”
Y’s Girls is aiming to establish 250 mentoring relationships before July 2022.
For more information on Y’s Girls and mentor opportunities, visit southendymca.org.uk/recruitment.
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