We are delighted to be working with The-Exchange Counselling Service.
The-Exchange is now providing counselling and emotional and psychological support in all schools within East Ayrshire. This service is available to children aged 10 and over and provides a private space where children and young people can talk about things which are troubling them. Talking things over with a professional can help children and young people to find better ways to cope with difficulties.
For more information please visit the East Ayrshire School Counselling Service Blog.
Primary Schools
Children can be referred to the service by their teacher or a key adult working within their school. However staff will always contact parents/carers before making a referral to The-Exchange. For children under the age of 12, parental consent is required in order for the child to attend the counselling or psychological support sessions. When supporting children under the age of 12, The Exchange involve parents at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the process with an aim to improve the overall resilience and psychological wellbeing of the family.
Please refer to the exchange leaflet for parents for more information.
This YouTube video explains some of the work The-Exchange do in schools.
Secondary Schools
Young people will generally be referred to the counselling service either by their guidance teacher or have the option to refer themselves. Guidance staff will always talk to the young person about this before making a referral and will encourage them to involve their parents too. Involvement of parents/carers is always encouraged as part of the process.
More information for parents/carers is available in this leaflet .
This YouTube video explains some of the work The-Exchange do in schools.
Where to get more information on Mental Health Issues
Self-harm:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/useful-contacts/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/my-feelings/self-harm/
Supporting Trans C & YP
https://novascotia.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1_a-guide-to-supporting-trans-children-and-young-people.pdf
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people/
Supporting C & YP with domestic, physical or sexual Abuse and Neglect
https://www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk/
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people
https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/our-helpline
Mental Health Apps for C&YP
https://learnsafe.com/5-apps-that-help-teens-with-mental-health/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.suicideprevention.stayalive
https://www.worry-tree.com/worrytree-mobile-app
https://www.equoogame.com/?_branch_match_id=936263637173497154
https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/blueice/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.positiverewards.feeling_good_kids_app&hl=en_US
Meditation
http://www.cove-app.com/#about
Specific App for parents to help yp
Anxiety
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.stem4.clearfear&hl=en_GB
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.vhb&hl=en_GB
https://www.thriveport.com/products/moodkit/
OCD
Self esteem
Body image
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/body-image/
Bereavement
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/listing/category/support-for-young-people
https://www.sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/bereavement-information/supporting-a-child/supporting-young-people-with-grief?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs_H7kdG5-QIVlvhRCh3NvwM3EAAYASACEgKppvD_BwE
Apps for bereaved YP
https://www.ataloss.org/faqs/nelsons-journey-app-smiles-and-tears
