Community | STYLE
facilities for little ones right through to young adults. Age-specific facilities are important as, for example, statistics suggest the willingness of boys to reach out seems to drop in their teens.
The move has also allowed the trust to significantly expand the services on offer.
Group therapies are now available, including anxiety, inspiration and resilience groups, art therapy, and soon outdoor therapy will also be available.
Each young person referred to the trust is individually assessed at the very beginning, so the team can offer a personalised support service designed specifically around their needs.
“We’ve had a steep increase in demand for our services in recent years,” said Mairead. “The past year has seen a 26% increase in sessions and it is expected to be even more next year. More people are referring to us now.
“Approximately 30% of referrals come from parents, while another 30% comes from teachers.”
As well as training up staff, the Youth Trust have also been helping schools develop their own set of mental health policies to use within the school setting.
“We have a Taskforce of 25 ambassadors, made up of young people who have used our services. They have helped us develop a 10-point mental health charter, which has gone into all Isle of Wight schools.
“The Charter recognises the unique role that schools play in shaping the lives of our young people and that schools can be at the forefront of breaking down the stigma on mental health and increasing emotional literacy.
“The same Taskforce also helped us develop a census which asked direct questions, such as the impact of social media, and about suicidal thoughts. This census included 5,000 of the Island’s young people. Results
are expected shortly.”
In previous years, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust was funded by the NHS. Today, in addition to NHS-funded resources, the Youth Trust also offers additional services paid for by grants secured through The National Lottery Fund, Children in Need and The Blagrave Trust. Sponsorship comes from local businesses, including Wightlink, The Royal Hotel, Premier Ford and a number of others. The Youth Trust also has a number of high-profile patrons, including Rob and Josie da Bank and Lord Michael Grade.
Mairead is now moving on from the Youth Trust, following two and a half years in her role as Chief Executive: “I have very much enjoyed my time working at the Youth Trust, with an amazing team all committed to supporting young people. We’re really proud of all the work we’ve been able to do in recent years, to ensure we are youth led and that young people’s voices are heard within our organisation.”
Stepping into the role will be former BBC Children in Need regional head, Clare Cannock, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for supporting mental health services.
Youth mental health ambassadors display the charter for schools that they helped develop
The Trust provides a range of therapies and counselling in its welcoming premises in Pyle Street
Trust Chairman Malcolm Marshall (right) and current CEO Mairead Healy (centre) welcome new CEO Clare Cannock (left)
Find out more about the Isle of Wight Youth Trust at
iowyouthtrust.co.uk September and October 2019 17
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