A new mental health support service has been formed to help youngsters in a north-east town.
Teenagers Expressing Emotional Need for Support (Teens) will be launched in Fraserburgh later this year for 13 year-olds and above.
Founder of the mental health service Y Suffer in Silence, Paul Greenall, believes the offering is “really needed” in the town and the idea is something that has been in the pipeline for several years.
Mr Greenall said: “We’re finding right now young people are experiencing a lot of anxiety, especially with lockdown.
“It’s important they have someone to listen to them before it could become more serious.
“Sometimes it can be something trivial teenagers worry about but this can be magnified for the individual.
“Parents might sometimes say it’s down to hormones but, when they say that, they’re not really listening.
“If a problem is not dealt with it could grow over time and when this happens it can be harder to fix.”
The service will initially run for 18 months to see how well it does.
Mr Greenall said: “We’re in the final stages of launching this service, but it’s something we want to take our time with and don’t want to rush it.
“We want to ensure those offering the emotional listening support are qualified.”
Mr Greenall is encouraging young people to come forward to design a logo for Teens and the winning entry will have their design produced on posters.
He said: “As it’s for teenagers, it’s important for them to recognise and relate to it.”
Those interested should send their ideas via private messenger on the Y Suffer in Silence Facebook page or by email to info1@whysufferinsilence.org.uk
