Be there for a child in crisis this Christmas

This Christmas, local charity Children North East are asking those who care about young lives to be there for a child in crisis. The charity supports babies, children, young people and families across the region to access life-changing services such as counselling, help for families in crisis, mentoring and safe, warm drop-in groups, often when there is nowhere else to turn.

The charity’s heartfelt plea for support comes as they report a 10% increase in those supported by their services this year – which equates to 4,544 people. As cost-of-living, cuts to vital services and a mental health crisis amongst young people impacts families and communities across the region, there has truly never been a more important time to support a baby, child, young person or family in need.

Wren’s story

Masquer-Aid is a peer support group for 11 to 25 year olds who have recently found out they are neurodifferent or are waiting for a diagnosis. It also provides young people with opportunities to engage in therapeutic support with a counsellor and access support from a specialised mental health youth worker, as well as engage in fun activities.

The programme was developed in response to a lack of support for neurodivergent young people across the region, with many left with no support at all during the often lengthly diagnosis period (for example the wait can be two years for an NHS autism diagnosis).

One young person, *Wren, attended Masquer-Aid groups and accessed one-to-one sessions with a youth worker. They shared they often felt guilt and shame over
their behaviour at home and their progress at school.

In sessions, Wren and their youth worker explored what it meant to be neurodivergent and some of the challenges that this presents. Wren reflected that their impulsiveness, sleep issues and inability to concentrate in lessons could besomething beyond their control and this enabled them to have a more positive opinion of themselves and improved self-esteem.

Mam reported that since participating in Masquer-Aid, Wren talks about themselves in a more positive light, has fewer angry outbursts, has been able to explain how they feels more easily and asks for help when things become overwhelming.

The youth worker also sent a report to Wren’s school and met with its Special Education Needs Coordinator. As a result, some changes were put in place to support Wren, for example the option to visit the welfare department first period to help them settle into the day.

Feedback from the family included, “You are a great support to families like us, thank you for listening without judgement”.

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