A freephone helpline has been launched by Stirling Council for young people who are feeling anxious or worried during the current pandemic.
The line will be staffed by the local authority’s Educational Psychology Service and is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1.30pm to 4pm. More information is available on the Stirling Council website.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Susan McGill said: “It’s important we continue to support our young people in these difficult and uncertain times - we want them to know help and advice is there if they need it.
“As the new school term gets underway, they could be worried about exams or other coursework or understandably feel worried, frustrated or isolated because of the unprecedented situation we are facing.
“To any young person who is feeling any of these things is, please give the free number a call to chat to someone in confidence.”
Pupils of all ages at Stirling Council schools can also access virtual support through the Mind of My Own app which is also available.
After leaving a written message to say they need to speak to someone, children request either email or phone contact.
The digital tool can be used at any time and all schools were sent instructions to share with pupils before the school closures in March.
The new freephone service and the app compliment the council’s existing helpline for those seeking advice about a child or young person’s support needs during this national emergency.
Contact options and more details of this service are available on the Stirling Council website.
Information, advice and practical guidance on a range of subjects for parents/carers and children and young people can also be accessed via the Stirling Educational Psychology Blog.
These include: looking after well-being, talking to a child about coronavirus (COVID-19), activities for learning at home and links to websites that can provide additional information.
Vice Convener of the Committee said, Cllr Christine Simpson said: “I welcome the introduction of this wellbeing helpline for the younger generation across Stirling who are experiencing such disruption and challenges during the coronavirus outbreak.
“We want to ensure our young people get support at the right time and it’s important they know continue to support our young people alongside other accessible digital tools.
“We also understand these are difficult and unsettling circumstances for families which is why we have put in place additional support measures such as the advice line and a wide range of online resources.”