THE SPACE SOMERSET

About

The Space supports local young people 4-17 years living or being educated in the Cheddar Valley area experiencing low mental health and emotional resilience and often in crisis e.g. depression, anxiety, attempted suicide, etc. potentially caused by several issues, including abuse, neglect, loss and trauma.

We currently offer free Counselling and Play Therapy services provided by qualified and experienced therapists at various locations in in the Cheddar Valley area. We provide targeted activities specifically developed for The Space in a non-school/service venues, to build relationships, establish trust and confidence to increase the chance young people will engage further and seek support. Children, parents/carers and young people are informed about The Space’s services by our local schools, health and social care colleagues and community organisations.

Our popular, term time ‘Space Base – youth club’ for young people aged 8-15 years attracts children and young people who can come together to have fun, chat, and chill. Each term a programme is developed detailing all the activities and events for the club members.

The Space established a Team around the Community where County and local organisations and statutory agencies came together to not only support our project but to act as a voice for all those that provide services to children and young people. We were so successful that we were chosen by NHS England and Somerset CCG to pilot a new iThrive Framework to replace the current Community And Mental Health Services Tiers which do not provide the necessary timely support for children and young people needing preventative support. Our aim is to develop into preventative intervention before a crisis stage is reached.

Our work is embedded in a belief that we operate in a broad Circle of Support around children and young people and work towards obtaining a network of people and organisations to help wherever a child or young person is in their mental health journey. To further reach out to young people, parents, and carers we have developed a Therapeutic and Wellbeing Garden plot housed on the allotments New Road where we run holiday activities and hopefully local organisations and residents will use this wonderful space.