John Bradfield, Command Hub Inspector for West Yorkshire Police is encouraging children and young people across the city to access local support services if they’re struggling to cope this Christmas and New Year.
As well as being a Hub Inspector for West Yorkshire Police at the Leeds Command Hub, John is also part of the Leeds District Peer Support Group. The group has been successful in listening to, supporting and signposting police officers and police staff with a variety of mental health conditions.
John said “I’m a huge advocate of mental health and have a real passion for emotional wellbeing. We know that many children and young people struggle with their mental health and emotional wellbeing but this may be especially tough for them during Christmas and the New Year.
“If you’re feeling like it’s all getting too much or you might be in a crisis, you can access support locally by visiting the MindMate website (www.mindmate.org.uk). The website has a specific page called ‘Struggling to cope?’ which has information on what services you can access locally as well as nationally that will meet your needs. A lot of these services are also available throughout the year and operate normal hours during the festive period.
“The local NHS is also using social media to promote services available to children and young people during Christmas. If you do come across any of these on your social platforms please do share them.
“It’s also good for family, friends and carers to be aware of these services in case they know of a child or a young person in need of support. The MindMate website has details of a number of services like Teen Connect, the Market Place as well as online counselling with Kooth that can support a child and young person if they need help.”
Dr Jane Mischenko, Commissioning Lead for Children and Maternity Services at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I’m so pleased to have John Bradfield backing our social media campaign, which targets children and young people to get the support they need this festive period and into the New Year. You don’t need to feel alone and I would urge any child and young person to talk to someone, or get support from local or national services.”
Find out what support is available for children and young people, by visiting the MindMate website (www.mindmate.org.uk).
Support the social media by visiting the MindMate social media platforms:
- Twitter – @MindMateLeeds
- Facebook – facebook.com/MindMateLeeds/
- Instagram – mindmateleeds
Ends
John Bradfield
Read more about John’s story by visiting the Mind website www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/blue-light-support/blue-light-stories/johns-story/
For media enquiries please contact:
Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively please email us: leedsccg.comms@nhs.net