GRANT TO ASSIST WITH ONGOING COST OF COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A local charity has received funding from Manx Lottery Trust to support its new counselling service, which is available to young people on the Isle of Man between the ages of 10 and 25.

Relate Isle of Man is a counselling and advice service on the Island which offers relationship support for everyone.

The Young People’s Counselling is a specialised free of charge service which was established for those who feel like they have nowhere to turn to for help and support. Young people can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, teacher, or social worker for counselling to talk about how they are feeling to help them get back to enjoying life. The 1-1 meetings can be provided either face to face in the Relate centre, by telephone or via Zoom.

Thelma Lomax, a trustee from Relate Isle of Man, said: ‘The demand for this vital service is growing significantly, as Relate are one of the few charities on the Isle of Man which offer a free of charge counselling service completely independent of any Government department. We currently have two trained YPS Counsellors and one which is currently in training.

‘Young people may have a lot of worries from their early years into adulthood, and our service enables them to talk as soon as they’re ready, so that hopefully they can build better strategies for dealing with situations as they grow.

‘The costs to keep the service running are high and we couldn’t possibly have provided this service without the valuable support from Manx Lottery Trust, for which we are extremely grateful.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘The services which Relate Isle of Man offer are so important to many in the Manx Community. This funding will help Relate extend its support for young people at a time when demand for the service is growing.

For more information about Relate Isle of Man visit: www.relate.im or call 623902.

Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money that has come from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust visit: www.mlt.org.im.