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MindMate News #13

A bulletin bringing you news and up to date information about MindMate and young people’s mental health in Leeds


What’s new from MindMate? Keep in the loop!

We will be putting out termly updates with a live session (webinar style) and a MindMate News bulletin to complement this. Let us know if you want to be on the distribution list for these bulletins – contact mindmate@nhs.net

Next date is Wednesday 28th February, 3:30 – 4:15pm. The online session is open to anyone working with school aged children and young people in Leeds. Click here to join the meeting


New on the MindMate website

  • The MindMate Neurodiversity Information Hub is still growing – with key resources, information, advice and support for parents and families including an explanation of the assessment process for ADHD and Autism.
  • Content has been updated for stress and anxiety one of the most visited ‘common issues/ pages – search stress/worried – this pulls together content in different formats all in one place
  • Regular podcasts and blogs from our MindMate Ambassador team on topics related to mental health and wellbeing which they feel are important

We are recruiting for MindMate Ambassadors

Job adverts will go out in December for a new cohort of MindMate Ambassadors. This is a paid opportunity for 18-23 year olds (employed by Common Room) who have lived experience of mental health issues and/or accessing support services. The role includes going into schools and colleges to promote MindMate and encourage conversations with other young people about mental health and wellbeing. If you know any young people who might want to apply, ask them to keep their eye on the MindMate Leeds social feeds or Common Room website for more information – the application period will run over Christmas and New Year.


Printed resources to help you promote MindMate

We have various resources to hep you promote mental health across the city and raise awareness of local support services for young people. If you work or volunteer with young people in Leeds, these resources are free to order from the Public Health Resource Centre. The Wellbeing Club guide is also available currently – this was designed by young people from Leeds Youth Council and Together Leeds Youth Network, to help schools and other youth settings to run clubs dedicated to mental heatlh. Order printed copies from PHRC or download here


New for schools

The following resources have been recently produced or updated to support schools:

  • Provision Grid for SEMH  –  a best practice guide to implementing and evidencing a graduated approach to identify and meet SEMH needs. Suitable teaching and learning strategies and identification and assessment tools are illustrated.
  • Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) support pathway – utilising a Graduated Approach to explain how schools can asses need and navigate support services.
  • A-Z of Mental Health Support and Resources for Schools in Leeds outlines a range of mental health support for children/young people and initiatives for schools
  • How to run a MindMate promotion in your school – explains a range of opportunities for schools to promote mental health, including information about inviting in services to attend health fairs, and how to join initiatives led by the Health and Wellbeing Service.
  • The MindMate Lessons teaching resource has been recently updated; this is a set of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) lesson plans, PowerPoints and resources which prioritise the key skills of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Schools, with an SLA with the Health and Wellbeing Service, can access the lessons here for free.

Trauma orientation sessions

Join Forum Central and the Community and Young People’s Development and Engagement Lead for the Trauma Informed Programme for an orientation session introducing the Compassionate Leeds: Trauma Awareness, Prevention and Response for Children & Young People strategy and learn more about the ambition in Leeds to recognise and respond to adversity using a trauma informed approach – Friday 24th November 9am or Monday December 4th 6pm. More info and bookings here.


Upcoming campaigns you can support

Follow @MindMateLeeds on Insta/Facebook/X/TikTok to view and share content.

During Anti-Bullying week (Monday 13th – Friday 17th November) the team will be running a campaign to promote awareness.  Over the Christmas period covering bereavement, drugs and alcohol, loneliness and urgent help. Please share and engage (like and comment) with the content. This helps improve visibility of MindMate.


Featured service: Safe Zone

Safe Zone is a face to face crisis service for anyone aged 11-17 and their parents/carers living in Leeds who need someone to talk to in a safe confidential setting.  We routinely work with a range of issues such as stress, anxiety, exam worries, loneliness, loss, suicidal feelings, self-harm and complex mental health conditions.

Open Mon, Wed & Thurs from 5pm-10pm across three locations (Free taxis will be provided to and from the service) Families can bring younger children too, especially if they don’t have any childcare arrangements. Safe Zone offers daytime show arounds at Dial House for young people, parents and professionals to learn more about the service. Email safezone@lslcs.org.uk.

More on Safe Zone here.


For full range of services for young people available go to Getting help – MindMate


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