Working with local organisations and schools, Y’s Girls will connect vulnerable young women aged 9 to 14 with mentors from a range of different backgrounds in North Tyneside to offer support and positively influence their lives.

The programme will take on a youth work approach by providing proactive and preventative intervention to young women and girls seen as most at risk of developing mental health issues, with mentors being recruited and trained by North Tyneside.

Mentors will regularly meet up with their mentee over a 12 month period, no more than once a week for two hours, offering an informal environment with the opportunity to discuss anything that might be worrying them, from family and personal relationships to lifestyle and education.

Dean Titterton, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA North Tyneside said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be launching this vital mentorship and support programme to vulnerable young women and girls in North Tyneside and would love to hear from anyone locally who would be keen to get involved.

“With one-in-six children aged 5-16 now identified as having a probable mental disorder, an increase from one-in-nine just three years ago, we are all too aware that mental health issues among this age range are rising dramatically*. The chance to offer that much needed time and support at such a critical stage is invaluable.

“The additional pressures of the pandemic, coupled with consistent and damaging cuts to youth services over the last decade, have left many young people isolated and without essential support. Projects like Y’s Girls provide a much-needed bridge within our youth work, helping to reach vulnerable young women and girls in their time of need.”