Cheddar charity launches listening service for families concerned by youth mental health

A charity in Cheddar has launched a new listening service where parents and family members who are worried about a young person's mental health can confidentially talk to someone about their concerns.

The Space is now running the free service for families in the Cheddar Valley, and Cheddar Nub News editor Tim Lethaby recently caught up with operations director Doreen Smith for a question and answer session about what is on offer and how it works.

Tim - The Space recently celebrated its one-year anniversary of being a charity. How did you mark the occasion?

Doreen - Although we have only been a charity for a year we have been in operation for four years. Local people know that we provide free counselling for children and young people in the Cheddar Valley area and in the course of meeting with parents and family members it became clear that often parents need someone to talk to and simply to listen to them. That's why we have set up a telephone listening service and we felt that it was timely to launch it near our first anniversary.

Tim - Did the Covid-19 pandemic influence the development of your new service?

Doreen - I think that it is fair to say that prior to Covid-19 we, like most services, were starting to see an increase in requests for counselling support but the first and subsequent lockdowns bought increased demand. Parents and family members are naturally concerned when they see their child/young person face the challenges that restrictions and the impact on family life has on their child. They need support and most of all where to find support for their child no matter what age.

Tim - So is this a counselling service for parents/family members?

Doreen - No, although we can certainly signpost them to free and affordable counselling. This isn't a counselling or crisis service, but if they could do with some emotional support and/or practical advice or perhaps just need someone to listen to them, then this is the line for them.

Tim - So how does the the service work?

Doreen - The service is for parents/carers or family members living in the Cheddar Valley area who are concerned about a child or young person's emotional and mental health, and who is struggling at the moment. The Space free to phone telephone listening service offers a free, safe, and confidential space for individuals to talk to and be listened to by our trained volunteers who will let provide an opportunity for someone to talk through their feelings and concerns without judging or telling them what to do. We don't give advice, but we do offer a 45-minute slot for people to chat about anything that is on their mind and we can provide a wealth of information on how to access all forms of support.

Tim - When is the service available?

Doreen - We are not a 24/7 service as we rely on the generosity of our lovely volunteers' time who may be available during the day, evening or on a weekend. There is, however, a facility where a message can be left and we will get back to the caller.

Tim - What is the number to call?

Doreen - 0800 999 1872