Mental health project helping Southwark teenagers through lockdown

By Alice Neil

A new project is helping teenagers with mental health issues.

The Southwark-based service opened in May and provides mental health support to young people aged 13 to 16.

The Nest has given more than 200 hours of one-to-one support. It has become a trusted source of mental health support in the local community.

The free service allows people to reach out and get the help they need, when they need it, without waiting for referrals.

The Nest is the only walk-in service for young people in the borough. Alongside this, it also offers one-to-one support by telephone, video call and online chat, so help is always available.

They also hold group sessions to connect young people and provide peer support.

The pandemic has led to a growing demand for services dealing with mental health issues.

Lockdown and social distancing measures have increased loneliness, and uncertainty has led to increased worry, anxiety and stress.

Fourteen-year-old Sophia started to use The Nest when lockdown restrictions led her feeling lonely and isolated.

Sophia said: “I had a super experience with The Nest. They were so kind and helpful and I felt really understood”.

Jordan, 24 has been using the The Nest’s services while he waits for an official mental health diagnosis from his GP.

He believes that The Nest has provided him with the comfortable space to talk about his traumas and figure out the causes of the anxieties and emotions he feels.

The Nest was formed as part of the council’s commitment to ensure that 100 per cent of children in the borough receive the emotional support they need.

The service is run in partnership with Groundwork London, which works with disadvantaged young people.

Groundwork developed the service with young people to offer the mental health support they want.

Pictured top: The Nest