The City of Wolverhampton Council, as part of its Youth Engagement Strategy (#YES), is launching its new ‘By Your Side’ campaign to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day.

Aimed at easing the impact of loneliness, the campaign has been developed to support people across the city and raise awareness of services that are available to combat isolation – in particular for younger people who may be feeling lonely.

If you are a child or young person who feels lonely – perhaps due to the coronavirus pandemic or you have experienced loneliness for a prolonged amount of time – you can get help and support from the following services:

  • City of Wolverhampton Council Advice and Support – a collection of resources for children, young people and families to stay safe and well throughout lockdown:   
  • Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS)   – free and confidential advice for children and young people who have or may have special educational needs and/or a disability: or call 01902 556945
  • Base 25 – a counselling service for young people to discuss their problems and feelings in a confident and dependable environment: call 01902 572040
  • Kooth – an online mental wellbeing community with magazines, discussion boards, a web chat and daily journal:
  • Gazebo – a place for young people to raise their issues and concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic through the Barnardos See, Hear, Respond partnership: Call 07393018271 or email mindfulsupport@gazebotheatre.com

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Loneliness affects us all from time to time, but often loneliness in children and young people is overlooked.

“It is important that as a city, we come together to look after our children and young people and ensure they do not suffer alone.

“If you, a friend or young relative may be experiencing the impacts of loneliness – in general or due to the coronavirus pandemic – please be reassured that there is help out there which can ease the impacts of the challenging times you or somebody you know may be living through.”

To find out more about the services which could potentially help those who are feeling lonely, visit #YES - Youth Engagement Strategy

For more information on By Your Side, please contact Sunita Pallan-Jhalli at Sunita.Pallan@wolverhampton.gov.uk. For information about #YES and community groups, please contact Alice Vickers at Alice.Vickers@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday (10 October, 2020).