In June 2022 we started the Blide’s Young People’s Project, working alongside Care Experienced Young People to overcome hurdles, access opportunities and recognise successes. It has since expanded to include those who were in the ‘edge of care’ or had significant social work involvement during childhood. This project mostly supports young people age 16-30 (as long as they are no longer at school) as the need for accessible and welcoming mental health support for all Orkney’s young people is increasingly important.
Relationships are at the heart of the project because this is where the greatest opportunities for healing and wellbeing are found, in the interactions and support between individuals, small groups and the wider community. We work closely with partner agencies; offering a weekly drop-in alongside OIC Community Learning and Development Team (CLDT) where the group prepare and share a meal and do an activity of their choice such as games, creative and therapeutic activities, local trips and connecting with other organisations. The links with CLDT have led to people achieving food hygiene certificates, finding work, and passing driving theory tests. Recently we have connected with organizations like the Penumbra Self-harm Network, the Drug and Alcohol Partnership and RSPB Species on the Edge Project; having valuable conversations around the young people’s experiences.
One to one support for young people is provided by our mental health support worker Jaden-marie Browne and is entirely personalised, and has included cooking sessions, yoga classes, gym sessions, study support, long walks, support to appointments, reflective conversations, and working through CBT based support programmes. The common theme is building relationships and developing strategies and habits for best possible mental wellbeing. We have a strong focus on partnership working and relationship building with professionals, groups and peers as well as other significant people (in line with ‘The Promise’) to collectively provide the important scaffolding that each individual needs to reach their own potential. The way that individuals connect with the service differs depending on what sort of support they are looking for, who else is involved in their network of support and what ‘recovery’ looks like to them.
Referrals to the service can be made through other professionals, parents or by the young person themselves. The form is available on the website or can be completed in person with a staff member at the Blide. If anyone wants to get in touch, Jaden is contactable through a Facebook profile ‘Jaden at Blide’, phone number: 07719 732999 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Housing First for Youth Project
In addition to the Young People’s project at the Blide we also have a Housing First for Youth project. This involves working alongside Care Experienced Young People to help them to manage their first tenancy and maintain a permanent home. We do this by providing wellbeing and practical support, which can include housing applications, education, help to find a job and accessing financial support/benefits as well as learning practical skills such as cleaning, cooking and budgeting. This help can continue for as long as a Young Person would like and is based upon the needs of each individual. The Housing First for Youth worker Leah Bliss provides intensive support for the Young Person working alongside OIC Housing, OHAL, social work and other relevant agencies. Leah is contact details are: a Facebook profile Leah Blide, phone number: 07516245449 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
