New service to support young people in Chichester district

The Chichester Youth Connections service was set up in direct response to the negative impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on young people.

It supports young people who live or go to school in the Chichester district and who are looking for help with: loneliness and isolation, improving self-confidence and making connections with other people. The team can also help young people find their next steps in education and employment.

As part of this service, young people can access six to eight individual sessions that are specifically tailored to help address the issues that are most important to them. Through practical advice and signposting, the team can connect individuals to the most appropriate support. This could include a counselling service; advice on careers, money or housing; or activities that could lead to a new interest, such as sports or the arts.

This comes at a time when the council has launched its Supporting You campaign in partnership with the Observer, which aims to highlight the range of support offered by the council and its partners following the pandemic and during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Roy Briscoe, cabinet member for community services at Chichester District Council said: “Sadly, we know that many young people have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic because of interruptions to their education, lack of social connections and becoming isolated during national lockdowns.

“We also know that emotional health, including connections with others and support with the next steps in life, is just as important as physical wellbeing, and so this service will play an incredibly important role.

"I’d encourage any young person who is struggling at the moment to get in touch and benefit from this support.”

To find out more about the support offered by the Chichester Youth Connections team, visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesteryouthconnections

And for more on support during the cost of living crisis, visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou