Creating inclusive online wellbeing services in rural Devon
Space Youth Services has been managing a regular online youth centre using the Discord platform since 2020. It enables young people aged 13-18, across the vast rural county of Devon, to meet others and socialise, benefit from a youth work curriculum and inform and shape services without leaving home. Most of our young people are neurodivergent, a large and increasing number are presenting with mental ill health and anxiety and are not able to leave the home and/or access education or training. To many, they are (and feel) invisible and hopeless.
We are increasingly aware of the complexity and urgent need for alternative approaches to supporting young peoples mental health in a county where waiting lists are exceptionally long, transport links poor, poverty high and technological solutions lacking. We are unable to explore this specific issue within a mainstream youth club activity session. Young people tell us that existing virtual mental health apps and online tools are not working for them.
We know our online youth club reaches the most isolated young people across the county. For this project, we will work with young people to explore how digital tech and online services can be used to enhance wellbeing for 13-18 year olds in Devon. Our aim is to help young people to feel more positive and envision a future through recognising strengths and ways they can contribute to society, whilst recognising and accepting varied current and ongoing personal circumstances.
Outputs
Team
Matt Bakall – Digital Youth Work Lead, Space
Ellie Whyte – Digital Team Co-ordinator, Space Digital and Creative Team