11.17
A new website has been launched offering young people affected by mental health problems, offering them a place to get advice and share their experiences with others.
The YoungMinds website aims to involve youngsters in campaigns in an effort to improve services and help shape future mental health polices. The websites content has been produced by the YoungMind’s national panel of Very Important Kids (VIK), who have also been involved throughout the creation of the website to ensure it contains all the information on in that young people need.
Clare Jerrom website editor told News Wales: “Given that every 30 minutes a young person cuts, burns or scalds themselves, it’s important to ensure young people know they are not alone, can get help and advice and help shape services in the future.”
“The new website is an idea place for young people to find out about the work VIK are doing across the country and tell us about their experiences so we can continue to campaign to improve mental health services for children and young people,” she added.
The interactive website design includes a blogging platform on which users can log on and blog about their experiences or news in their area. Each month, the writer of the best blog will receive a £20 love2shop voucher awarded by Ms Jerrom.
“This may be the blog that has the most comments, or that made me laugh or which really struck a chord,” she said.
Members of the VIK panel will act as moderators on the website with the aim of ensuring the content provided is both useful and within site guidelines. It is hoped that the website becomes an accessible resource which can be used by young people all over the UK.
Caroline Holroyd is a member of VIK and is a moderator for the new site, she added: “It is so important young people are involved in the development and editing of this website as, in essence, it’s our website.”
“Without young people’s contributions this would be yet another abstract website about mental health. It wouldn’t connect with the people we want to connect with.”
No Comment.
Add Your Comment