Youth Development Worker
My name is Loren Manson and I am a born and bred New Zealander. I made the move to my husband’s homeland over 7 years ago. Shetland has provided an amazing life for us and we all love life here on this beautiful island. The sense of community very much reminds me of home.We have three children, all of them attend Brae High School.
I have a teaching background and was working as a primary teacher before making our move here. I applied for this post over 5 years ago now, not really knowing the power of youth work. Our slogan is #youthworkchangeslives and that is exactly what we do.
I have a different role every day and I absolutely love it!
Information
From a national perspective there are a number of organisations who can help provide information:
Coronavirus updates for young people: –
Youth Scotland
Young Scot https://young.scot/
| YoungMinds – children and young people’s mental health charity
We’re the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. We will make sure all young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges. Looking after mental health whilst self-isolating – YoungMinds |
| LGBT Youth Scotland
We are Scotland’s national charity for LGBTI young people, working with 13–25 year olds across the country. We also deliver the LGBT Charter programme to schools, organisations and businesses. Our goal is to make Scotland the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people. We play a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTI young people that promotes their health and wellbeing, and are a valued and influential partner in LGBTI equality and human rights. |
| Childline
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards. |
| The Mix
The Mix is a service that takes on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that young people have in order to give them the best support through our digital and phone services. Phone 0808 808 4994 (24 hours) |
And here are some top tips during this time:
- Talk to someone about how you’re feeling
- Arm yourself with the facts – Government websites
- Know what you can do- NHS websites
- Don’t over expose yourself to the news – Take a break from social media
- Stick to your normal routines – Wake up times, work times, exercise, bed times
- Find things that help you feel clam – music, talking to friends, breathing techniques, writing a diary, make yourself ‘self soothe box’
- Prepare – Stay connected with your school, college or workplace. No what is expected of you while they are closed. Being prepared reduces anxiety and troubling thoughts
- Volunteer – If you are not unwell or showing any symptoms in line with NHS guidelines, volunteer to help at your local shop, food bank, get neighbours prescriptions/food shop. Volunteer boosts your self-worth during difficult times
Please everyone stay safe and if you need to talk use the live chat!
