Youngsters improve confidence in sessions

MORE THAN 100 youngsters who have been struggling with their confidence and self-esteem have been taking part in a special pilot programme.

The scheme, part of Humber NHS Foundation Trust’s response to concerns about the quality of mental health services for young people, is now running in 10 East Riding secondary schools.

The youngsters, aged 11 to 16, spend a day a week at a community venue, learning emotional resilience, communication, social interaction and behavioural self-management in groups, after being referred by their parents, teachers or other professionals.

Problems range from deliberate self-harm to body issues or having been subjected to abuse.

Feedback from the first four schools to take part, Beverley High, Beverley Grammar, Withernsea High and South Holderness Technology College, suggests the Social Mediation and Self-Help programme has dramatically boosted confidence and self-esteem.

“It is working on the core fundamental skills that we all need,” said manager Emma Train-Sullivan.

“We do a lot around building and maintaining relationships. When the programme finishes they can take relationships back into school and that forms part of their support network.”

The hope is it will be rolled out in the remaining eight schools.

Ms Train-Sullivan said demand had risen “massively”. She said: “I think there’s a lot more pressure to be the best, with the internet and social media, having to look and act a certain way.

“These days you have to look flawless at 10 or 11, doing selfies. They are finding it difficult to be themselves in case other people don’t accept them.”