Young people at Mikeysline spread positivity and kind messages during week dedicated to mental health
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Children's Mental Health Week, February 7-13, helps to spread the word of suicide prevention and give mental health support to young people.
Mental health charity, Mikeysline, is using its Youth Champions to help encourage this message.
The Youth Champions scheme was set up last year, recruiting 70 children across the Highlands to spread the charity's messages throughout schools.
The champions fundraise and promote awareness in classes and their communities.
Mikeysline youth champion from Nairn, Ross Kinnaird, said: “Every youth champion is really passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
“Having youth champions in every school in the Highlands and Moray is so important. We have been able to spread the word about Mikeysline around Nairn through our activities – and it would be amazing to see that happening in even more towns across the area.
“If anyone out there is passionate about mental health, I would really encourage them to get involved with Mikeysline to help make a difference. Being a youth champion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The champions meet monthly with Mikeysline staff to help continue their works.
Previously they have used TikTok, liaised with local businesses, fundraised and brought the discussion into classrooms to help the charity.
Emily Stokes, ceo of Mikeysline, said how proud she was of the young people and how important their role is.
“Our youth champions are doing incredible work in schools and communities across the Highlands and Moray, and we’re so proud of their efforts. They’re making a huge difference in spreading the word about the services Mikeysline offers to those experiencing issues with mental health, emotional distress and suicide – ensuring young people get access to the information they need.
“In the last couple of years, we have seen the number of young people using our services rise considerably, often related to the pandemic. We are currently providing support to twice as many 13–35-year-olds than any other age, and the vast majority of individuals are experiencing some form of anxiety.
“It’s incredibly important, then, to make that connection at a young age – and break down the barriers and stigma that otherwise may leave a mental health issue untreated for many years. It’s important for people of all ages to know that its ok not to be ok, and that there are many resources and people out there that can help, including Mikeysline.”
