What?
We work with 11-19 year olds across the county, offering a shoulder to lean on and a safe, confidential space to talk about any issues young people might be facing. It’s all about making sure they’re comfortable and free to share, without being judged – so that together we can discover how they’re feeling and how to help. By simply being there to listen and steer conversations, Hear Our Voice builds young people’s emotional resilience, step by step – until each individual is ready and equipped to move on.
How?
Through one-to-one sessions and group work, we offer up to 12 hours of support, before working out what’s next. This could be providing relevant up-to-date information, bringing in the right experts to talk to, or simply giving them the boost to jump the next hurdle – perhaps booking a doctor’s appointment or helping them navigate the different services out there, to find the one that suits them.
We have active links and partnerships with organisations, services and charities across the South West including fostering teams, schools and community nurses, specialist referral units and local authority locality managers so we can make sure young people have access to the best care and support when they’re ready.
We’re flexible and creative, encouraging young people to seek support in the way that’s right for them. From hosting a space where they can make friends and get used to normal life, to holding practical workshops that deal with common issues, our expert team understands what’s needed, what works and why. They’re all dedicated to exploring and providing the best opportunities for young people to find their feet, until they’re strong, confident and ready to fly.
Why?
Hear Our Voice is not a counselling service, therapist or psychiatrist. We listen; we talk; we help. It’s simple and it works – as the young people who we’ve been lucky enough to meet will tell you.
“The groups are a wonderful place of safety and support – where I have always been able to share my feelings and experience.”
Hear Our Voice member, aged 19
“Through the support I received at Hear Our Voice, I have been able to deal with what’s just happened in my family.”
Hear Our Voice member, aged 18
“Hear Our Voice saved my life.”
Hear Our Voice member, 2012
Every year Hear Our Voice receives 200 referrals and works with 150 young people individually and through our groups. We believe in what we do and we believe in young people. It’s responses like this that show us we’re making a difference. And that’s the most important thing of all.
Heads Up
Find out more about our sister programme Heads Up, an interactive education session for young people to learn about mental health issues.
If you would like to make a service request please read the attached information;
YPC service request September 2020 updated Updated YPC Service request information February 2021
Mind your way is a new place to get help with your mental health and wellbeing, it’s made for young people by young people. http://www.mindyourway.co.uk/
Alternatively…
If you need urgent support around mental health you can see your GP/family doctor or contact CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) on 01872 221400.
For help out of hours you can call NHS 111 or dial 999/visit A & E in an emergency/crisis.
You can also find support online or by phone via www.kooth.com (aged 11 – 19yrs) or
Childline – www.childline.org.uk/talk/ or call for free on 0800 1111 (up to and including 18yrs) – this is open 24hrs a day
Alternatively you can speak to the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
To request Early Help from Cornwall Council Children’s Services call 01872 322277 or go online to: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/earlyhelphub