Help & Support For Young People

We all experience adolescence. It is a period of great change and for many the first opportunity to experiment with alcohol and for a few with the use of drugs. For some this period can be marked by the use of alcohol and drugs in a way that puts them at immediate harm or establishes a pattern of behaviour which can lead to later problems. For young people it is therefore essential that they are given accurate, reliable and up to date information about the use of alcohol and drugs as well as the skills to understand the risks attached to the decisions they make.

There are many local services which offer advice and support, we have listed them below:

MYPAS – Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service

MYPAS work with young people aged between 12 and 21 in Midlothian and aged 12 to 19 in East Lothian. Young people can access individual support, group work and support for families. The drug and alcohol team can also provide information, advice and harm reduction advice.
Tel: 0131 454 0757
Web: www.mypas.co.uk

Substance Misuse Support Workers – Young People

The support workers offer support to school aged children and young people living in East Lothian whose live have been impacted with their own substance misuse problems or that of their parents/carers. Support can be offered at school, in the home or in the community by speaking to your guidance teacher or supportive adult.
Tel: 01875 824 309

Crew 2000

Crew 2000 provides a range of services for those who are 12+. There is a city centre drop in, advice and support and sexual health information. There is lots of information on their website
Web: www.crew.scot

Additional sources of information

There is also lots of online resources and helplines which offer free confidential advice.
 
FRANK – www.talktofrank.com / 0300 123 6600
 
Know The Score – www.knowthescore.info / 0333 230 9468
 
YoungMinds – www.youngminds.org.uk / 0808 802 5544
 
The NHS have produced a list of apps that can help with you help and wellbeing, you can access the list here: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/
If you find yourself caring for a family member, there is help, support and advice out there for you too.

Young Carers – East Lothian Council

Young Carers

A Young Carer is someone under 18 or is 18 years but still at school, who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who due to illness or disability cannot manage to live independently without their help. The person you care for may have an illness, a disability, a mental health condition or a drug and/or alcohol dependency. Young Carer Youth Workers can be contacted in school or contact the service direct.

Tel: 01620 827 827
Web: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/young-carers

Children 1st

Children 1st Family Wellbeing Hub Midlothian offers support to children and their families impacted by parental substance use whether this is current, historic or involves intergenerational experience ie through a grandparent. the support is relational, trauma-informed and child-centred. We will work with you and your family to better understand the challenges you face, and develop a joint plan with you to ensure you get the support you need. The service has peer support and project workers in the team, who can offer one-to-one and whole family support to help keep your family safe, link you in with community supports, strengthen family relationships and support children and their families to better manage big feelings. There is also an option for support from our financial wellbeing advisor, to attend stress related to the impact of poverty and financial hardship. The service also offers opportunities for group-based support for parents focussing on positive wellbeing, along with family-based activity sessions for fun.
Tel: 0131 654 9540
Web: www.children1st.org.uk

Circle East Lothian

Circle East Lothian offer support to children/young people and families who are affected by parental substance misuse. The services work alongside the family to help them build upon existing strengths to make and sustain positive lifestyle choices. www.circle.scot
Tel: 01620 827 554
Web: www.circle.scot
The transition to young adulthood can be a time of anxiety and difficulty without the added pressure from peers. There are services available to young people to help them navigate this time in their lives.

The Bridges Project

The Bridges Project is an independent, local charity which works with young people in East Lothian and Midlothian between the ages of 14 and 21 years to help them manage the transition from adolescence to young adulthood and life beyond.
Tel: 0131 665 1621
Web: www.bridgesproject.org.uk

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