TEN%

Teenagers
Explaining why mental health problems are
Nothing to be ashamed of
%

The young person's project in Stranraer is now called TEN% since approximately 1 in 10 children and young people have a mental health problem.

The project has been kindly funded through the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF).

6 peer educators (Emma Skilling, Megan Milligan, Kirsty McKeand, Katie Lees, Kirsty Douglas & Stephanie Ward) from Stranraer Academy have been involved throughout and their commitment and attitude has been first class.

All of the peer educators took part in a training programme in the summer of 2004 that helped prepare them for what was ahead.

The response from local schools and other agencies has been very positive and the peer group have been in great demand. There are 3 sessions that the peer educators have been presenting to their peers. These have helped to raise awareness about mental health issues amongst young people. The sessions are as follows:

SESSION 1 - Knowing the facts
SESSION 2 - Self-esteem and bullying
SESSION 3 - Depression, anxiety and stigma

Hundreds of pupils from both Stranraer Academy and the Douglas Ewart in Newton Stewart have taken part in these workshops. They have been very well received with most of the young people showing a great deal of interest in the subject.

No matter whether they have been presenting the programme or participating in it most of the young people believe that peer education is the best way to learn about subjects like mental health.

There has been a significant amount of interest from other schools who would like to take part in projects like this one.

Plans to expand the project across the region are in place. Hopefully it will be possible to attract more funding to allow this to happen.

TEN % also recognises the importance of talking to various youth groups outside of school. Plans are underway to conduct workshops with other agencies.

If anyone has any questions about the project they can contact Neil Hyslop (Youth Facilitator) on 01776 706348 or e.mail him at neilhyslopnsfscot@yahoo.co.uk.