Us Active

Our participants are aged between 12 and 25 and are experiencing or at risk of developing mental illness. Some have neuro-developmental disorders. They live predominantly in Tyne and Wear - occasionally we work in bordering areas of Northumberland and Durham. Their life experiences are very diverse and include LGBTQ+ young people, looked after children, young carers, refugees, young parents and many other young people. REFERRALS AND INTRODUCTIONS Some young people self-refer to us and others are introduced by their parents/carers or our referral partners. We have built up a network of referral partners from agencies working within the health, social care, education, justice and charity sectors. We are reaching parents/carers and young people through the work of Lucy our Referrals and Activities Co-ordinator, Social Media and word of mouth. A few examples of our current partners are: Gateshead Children and Families, Gateshead Housing, Youth Offending Teams and the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service (CJLDS), NHS teams including CYPS, social prescribers, Primary Care and Early Intervention in Psychosis. Voluntary organisations include Eating Disorder North East (EDNE) Newcastle Carers, Children NE, the Tyneside Foyer, Young Women’s Outreach Project, Mental Health Concern as well as a number of secondary schools and alternative education provision. ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Participating in physical activities helps our young people improve their mental and physical health, raise their confidence, develop their social skills and achieve goals. This has benefits for their relationships, education, training and employment.