Youngsters can thrive at mental health hub
AFUN day was held to launch a new mental health hub and service for young people.
Hundreds of people attended the bash to mark the opening of the Drake Street centre, called Around the Corner and the service, dubbed #Thrive.
Face painting, soft play, circus skills, balance bikes, pet therapy, a smoothie bike, planting activities, arts and craft and exercise bikes were all on offer, while free food and drink was also served.
There were also special appearances from Elsa and Batman and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Coun Ray Dutton and his wife Elaine, who formally launched the service.
The service is aimed at children and young people aged up to 19 years, who live or are registered with a GP in Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale.
It aims to provide support and advice to those who are feeling stressed, sad, unhappy with how they look, angry, having relationship problems, being bullied or just not feeling themselves.
Lots of different types of support is available, including talking therapy, counselling and guided selfhelp.
The service, which is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Link4Life and Youth in Mind, is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, will also point people towards activities such as sport, drama and music, which can help improve mental health.
Mark Wood, #Thrive lead, said: “We are really keen to make sure as many people as possible know about #Thrive, so we are all delighted that there was such a fantastic turnout at our launch event. Everyone seemed to have a great time and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.
“We’re very grateful that the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale took time out from their busy schedule to attend.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped to plan and deliver the event; in particular the young people and families who have helped to develop #Thrive from the very beginning.
“I’d encourage any young person who feels like they’d benefit from some support to get in touch. We look forward to welcoming them.”
Simon Wootton, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group chief officer, said: “We are extremely pleased to be part of the #Thrive partnership and being able to provide such an important supportive service for young local people.
“It was by working with children and young people that this new service was commissioned and it was great to see so many people at the launch event in Rochdale town centre. We are hopeful that #Thrive can truly make a difference to the young people of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.”
For more information contact 0161 716 2844 or visit healthyyoungmindspennine.nhs.uk/thrive.