Christmas can be a difficult time for young people and families, and never more so than this year, with numerous challenges weighing down on people’s mental health.

With that in mind, Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler is encouraging those who need it to avail of turn2me services.

These services have been extended to support young people aged between 12 -17, and their families this year.

All of turn2me’s services are facilitated by mental health professionals entirely online – and this is the first service that the charity has provided for the under-18 age group.

With support from funding from Sláintecare’s Integration Fund, the service comes in a number of forms, and also includes services for parents and guardians.

Founded in 2009, turn2me was the first organisation in Ireland to provide professional mental health support services entirely online.

The service has been developed in consultation with a dedicated Youth Advisory Panel established by turn2me, comprising 20 young people aged between 12 – 18 from across the country.

turn2me holds monthly workshops with the Youth Advisory Panel and has 100 Community Building volunteers who offer peer support on the peer support platform.

Commenting, Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said:

“The provision of professional online mental health support means that people can access it wherever they are, whenever they need it.

“This is especially important at times like Christmas, which can be difficult for many people, and as we continue to deal with the challenges associated with Covid-19.

“The service is free, anonymous, and accessible online on a 24/7 basis and I hope that anyone who needs it will log on to get support,” the minister added.

Peer support

As well as being facilitated by a mental health professional, peer support is an important part of the turn2me model.

18-year-old Kotryna Kurseviciute from Meath is a member of turn2me’s Youth Advisory Panel and a Community Builder Volunteer with the Youth Service.

She encourages young people and families who need support to use the service.

“Minding your mental health is so important – and the past year has been particularly difficult for young people and families,” she said.

“I’m currently in sixth year and studying for the Leaving Certificate, so I have a great understanding of the challenges and stress that young people are dealing with. But help is just a click away.

“The option of remaining anonymous makes some people more comfortable about opening up without any fear of being judged. Even just admitting that you’re not coping very well to a peer can really help to lighten the load you’re carrying.”