A READING based mental health charity has launched a new free helpline for young people to get support from a qualified counsellor during lockdown.

No5 Young People focuses on providing counselling, outreach and preventative mental health services to young people aged 11-25 years and their parents/carers who live, work or study in the RG postcode.

The charity launched the mental health helpline today (Monday, May 18).

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Talking about the new helpline, Alyson Brickley, Director at No 5 Young People said: “No5 Young People’s Mental Health Helpline has been created to provide telephone support from qualified young people’s counsellors.

"Knowing the additional strain of coronavirus on young people’s wellbeing and mental health we wanted to do something to help those in our local community.

"Young people from 11-25 years of age can access this free helpline and receive a call from a counsellor trained to help young people.

"Social distancing, self-isolation, being unable to see friends and family, attend school and fears around the virus can make young people anxious and distance themselves.

"Talking to someone who won’t judge you about how you’re feeling is in itself helpful.

"Our trained counsellors can also offer practical advice over the phone."

To access the service, you will need to text TALK followed by your first name and postcode to 07786 202430 to request a phone call from one of the trained counsellors.

The support line is open from 5-8pm, Monday to Friday.

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Alongside the helpline, No5 Young Ambassadors are sharing their tips on keeping mentally fit and being creative.

The ambassadors are answering mental health-related questions posted to them by other young people every Thursday by video.

You can ask questions through social media using #AsktheYAs.

Or you can direct message No5 who will pass on your question and a Young Ambassador will answer it the following Thursday in a video post shared through social media.

Carly Newman, Operations and Relationships Manager at No5 said: “No5 Ambassadors wanted to do something to help young people during coronavirus.

"They suggested an opportunity to share their experiences and answer questions via video.

"We jumped at the chance!

"Please come forward with your questions, could be around feeling anxious, low self-esteem, loneliness or perhaps motivation.

"Our Young Ambassadors want to share what has worked for them so get in touch via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram using #AsktheYAs or direct message.”

The Young Ambassadors have been managing a daily prompt under hashtag #MakeItForMay posting a different theme every day on No5’s social media platforms to encourage young people to be creative.

Abbie, Lead Young Ambassador said: “I think it’s important for young people to be creating content for other young people as so much of what we consume is made by adults who grew up in a different world to us.

"I’m excited to be involved as I’m very passionate about supporting young people in my local community and to be building my creative skills alongside this!”