A NEW service which will help young people and children who are struggling with their emotional health has been launched for north and west Cumbria.

The service, LINK, is a collaboration between Barnardo’s and a couple of primary care providers that will try to support those between the ages of five-17.

It will provide non-medical help through holistic approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Richard Massey, clinical director of the Keswick and Solway Primary Care Network, said: “We’re excited to be able to offer this new social prescribing service to children and young people in our communities – particularly during this difficult time.

“Through this collaboration with Barnardo’s we hope to develop stronger links with our schools and are very grateful to the staff and pupils from Solway and Beacon Hill Community Schools for their help in developing the service.

“This is an opportunity to support children and young people to feel empowered and to engage with support services and activities that will improve their health and wellbeing.”

“We hope that the impacts of the service will have benefit for children and young people now, which will continue into adulthood.”

Those who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, or loneliness can be referred to LINK by their GP, health professionals, schools, or supporting organisations.

They will be taught strategies to manage their issues and work towards an achievable goal.

Steve Oversby, regional director for Barnardo’s North said: “The need for a local social prescribing service was identified by GPs and health professionals in the area, who worried they were only seeing children when they had got to crisis point and recognised a requirement for the availability of lower level interventions to support wellbeing at a much earlier stage.

“The LINK service is here to help children and young people who may be struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing, to support them and help them to gain skills and knowledge to lead happy and fulfilled lives.