The Haven
A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is now open in East Lothian.
Developed by ECHC, ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service has launched at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.
It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.
The Haven is open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents.
It offers support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.
This service is so needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can escape for a while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.
Parent of young person with mental health issues
Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no more time to wait.
“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution for them.”