The Diversity Pioneer Award reflects the commitment shown across Six Degrees every day to deliver inclusive, culturally responsive and community-rooted support that genuinely impact lives.

Six Degrees has been recognised in the first-ever Nat West Social Enterprise 100 Pioneering Impact Leaders list.

Six Degrees aims to build emotionally resilient communities by working in an integrated and inclusive way to reduce health inequalities and long-term pressure on health and social care services.

The judging panel focused on strengths such as:

• Recruiting from the communities they serve, ensuring the workforce reflect the local population
• Providing first-language therapists to reduce barriers and preserve dignity
• An ongoing commitment to addressing the structural barriers that prevent or exclude communities from accessing brief psychological support preventing further distress, harm and inequity.

The judges recognised Six Degrees’ commitment to designing and delivering their services through an intersectional lens (a way of looking at how different parts of someone’s identity and societal structures affect their experience). This enables them to understand people’s lives in complex and nuanced ways by recognising that aspects of identity such as age, gender, race, class, and migration status are not experienced as discrete categories in isolation.

One example of this approach is the work undertaken with the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service. Data indicated that people calling the service were not representative of Greater Manchester’s diverse population, prompting a three-year partnership with Just Psychology (Social Enterprise) to better understand barriers to access. Using a co-production approach, the service worked alongside Arabic, and Cantonese-speaking communities to recruit and train 12 cultural consultants who helped co-design learning for staff in the service, wider communities and advise on improvements to the service. The project created paid employment opportunities for 12 community members, many of whom may otherwise have faced barriers to accessing meaningful work, enabling them to contribute their lived experience and cultural expertise.

The consultants delivered bereavement awareness sessions to 95 community members across Greater Manchester providing valuable insight into cultural perspectives on grief, mourning rituals, and stigma, particularly around suicide and suicide bereavement. While this work did not result in a significant increase in referrals from these communities, it generated valuable learning, many people prefer to access support through established family, faith, and community networks rather than professional services. This co-designed approach strengthened the service’s understanding of culturally appropriate bereavement support and highlighted the importance of working in partnership with trusted community structures, rather than assuming formal services are always the preferred source of support.

Six Degrees’ efforts to go beyond simply hiring interpreters to engage therapists from different communities, that’s what I really felt from what you were doing, that it was inclusive in the most inclusive way, because people were doing for one another, rather than it being an external lens brought to a community. It was the community supporting the community. Guest judge Devi Clark

There is quite a push, to put people into boxes and as humans we just don’t operate that way. We’re much more complex and nuanced. And so, we want to look at the intersections of identity, but also the intersections of how the social, psychological, and the politics impact on people and their mental health. Kelly Hylton, managing director at Six Degrees.

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If you are aged 10 to 25, Kooth allows you to access safe and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists and no referral is needed.

• Parents and Carers Support Pack for Talking to Your Children About their Feelings
• Kooth Supporting your child during difficult times a practical guide for parents and carers_

 Young Minds

•  A guide aimed at young people that covers: Coping with exam; pressure; How to deal with exam stress; Revision tips; Dealing with disappointment on results day; Get help now. You can access the guide here
• A guide aimed at parents that covers: Things your child might be feeling; Impact on the family; Creating a supportive home environment; How to talk to school about your child’s mental health during exams; What to do when exam results are disappointing; Recognising and responding to a mental health crisis; Useful helplines and websites. You can access the guide here

Anna Freud

• Resources available for young people including two videos. You can access them here

BBC Bitesize

• A range of resources looking at how parents can help: A video where teenagers, their parents, and Dr Anna Colton discuss pressure during the exam season; Dr Anna Colton’s tips for parents and guardians during the exam season and advice on finding a balance between work, sleep, social life, and exercise; What not to say to your kids during exam season; Five ways to motivate your teen to study at home. You can access them here

Mind

• Exam stress – for 11-18 year olds. Information for young people on exam stress and where to go for support. Access it here

NHS

• Advice of parents – help your child beat exam stress. Find out more

Place2Be

• Resources looking at exam stress tips for students and exam stress tips for parents and carers. You can access these resources here

Childline

• Resources on: Worrying about exams; Dealing with exam stress; Coping with pressure; Coping with other problems. You can access these resources here

 Charlie Waller

• Guide designed to support parents and carers in helping their children manage exam stress and maintain good mental wellbeing. It provides practical advice on how to create a balanced approach to studying, recognise signs of anxiety, and offer encouragement. You can access the guide here

Papyrus

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE available 24/7 on 0300 102 2470 or text 88247. You can also get in contact via email. 

BSL users can get support through the InterpretersLive! service, you can speak to a HopeLine 24/7 suicide prevention adviser with a qualified, NRCPD-registered BSL video interpreter – on-demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need follow-up support after your call, a HopeLine 24/7 adviser will arrange a time that works for you – with BSL support included.

HopeLine 24/7 also offers Language Line, a free, confidential translation and interpretation service-  available 24/7 – so you can get support in a language that feels right for you.

www.papyrus-uk.org/

The post Managing Exam Stress Resources appeared first on Mental Health.

• When to take action
• Share practical ideas to help children manage their anxiety
• Discuss how Kooth can provide extra support.

The content has been written predominantly for families with secondary and higher aged children sitting GCSEs, A- Levels or Nationals and Highers in Scotland.

• Book 9th March, 6:00pm
• Book 16th March, 7:00pm

The post How you can support your child to manage exam stress appeared first on Mental Health.

If you’re living with a severe or enduring mental health condition and looking for work, individual placement and support can help.

It’s an employment support service designed to help people with mental health challenges find and stay in paid jobs that match your skills and interests.

In Greater Manchester. Pure Innovations, working alongside PossAbilities and The Growth Company, have already helped hundreds of people take steps toward meaningful employment. Find out more here

IPS Employment Specialist (Oldham, Stockport or Tameside)

We are seeking a motivated and passionate self-starter who wants to kick-start or continue a career in the supported employment sector. This position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with mental health needs across Greater Manchester. For more information, please download the Job Description. IPS Employment Specialist Job Description and Person Specification

To apply for this role, please apply on line here. If you require support with the recruitment process, please get in touch with recruitment@pureinnovations.co.uk or call us on 0161 804 4400.

Mental Health Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist in Bury

To support individuals with mental health support needs, to secure sustainable paid employment in line. You will work in collaboration and foster a close working relationship with the staff within the NHS Mental Health Teams to ensure the best outcomes for the people that you are supporting.

Employment-Officer-Mental-Health-Person-spec-January-2023

Employment-Officer-Mental-Health-IPS-JD-January-2023

Apply online here

‘Life-changing’ mental health employment support service helps local woman. An Oldham woman has praised NHS Oldham talking therapies for changing her life and giving her hope for a brighter future. Her therapist referred her to service’s dedicated employment team late last year, where she connected with employment adviser Adam Iqbal. Adam’s understanding and empathetic approach played a crucial role in Joana’s journey. He helped her recognise her potential and provided practical advice on how to achieve her goals. You can read  more on Pennine Care’s website

The post Job opportunities at Pure Innovations and PossAbilities who provide Individual Placement Support appeared first on Mental Health.

• Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) kooth.com
• Qwell (for ages 26+) qwell.io/

Christmas Week

• December 20^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 21^st 6pm to 10pm
• December 22^nd 12pm to 10pm
• December 23^rd 12pm to 10pm
• December 24^th 12pm to 8pm
• Christmas Day December 25^th 4pm to 8pm
• Boxing Day December 26^th 12pm to 8pm

New Year Week

• December 27^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 28^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 29^th 12pm to 10pm
• December 30^th 12pm to 10pm
• New Years Eve December 31^st 12pm to 8pm
• New Years day January 1^st 4pm to 8pm
• January 2^nd 12pm to 10pm

The post Christmas and New Year opening times for Kooth and Qwell appeared first on Mental Health.

Bullying among young people remains a huge issue, which can lead to self-harm, anxiety, depression, difficulties at school and can negatively impact relationships.

As Kooth’s independent research shows, parents and carers don’t always know bullying is happening, with one in three young people suffering in silence.

Kooth and The Diana Award have produced a powerful film, “The Pretender” that’s based on the experiences young people share with Kooth. Starring a talented group of young people, it tells an emotive story of a boy being bullied on his phone.

Freya found support through Kooth when she was being bullied at school. She made a video describing her experiences and how Kooth helped, commenting: “Their resources and advice really helped me and without them I wouldn’t be who I am today.” You can view this film here

In another film consultant psychologist at Kooth Dr Hannah Wilson explains the serious impacts bullying can have on the mental health of young people, while encouraging parents and carers to make conversations about young people’s lives online part of our everyday lives. You can view this film here

Explore Kooth is a magazine for young people, that has a collection of stories, videos and helpful articles on bullying, aimed at helping young people manage. Find out more here

You can find out more about Kooth here

The post Kooth and The Diana Award: tackling bullying together appeared first on Mental Health.

These can include struggling with issues like low mood, anxiety and loneliness. The impact of EBSNA can range from the young person experiencing an occasional reluctance to attend school, to complete non-attendance. It can start suddenly or develop gradually over time.

Kooth have developed this free webinar for families to explore EBSNA as a complex issue and will give guidance on how digital mental health support can help.

Tuesday October 14th at 6pm or Thursday 23rd October at 6pm

You can register here 

The post EBSNA – Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance appeared first on Mental Health.

During the summer holidays, children and young people are out of their usual routines and social networks. Whether they are waiting for exam results, moving up a year at school, changing schools, starting college, or heading off to university, this summer will be the start of change for many families across Greater Manchester.

While results and transitions can be nerve-wracking, they can also mean growth, confidence-building, and resilience. With the right support, children and young people can move forward feeling secure, motivated, and ready to face new challenges.

Exam results

As we get closer to getting exam results, some parents may notice signs of stress, anxiety or uncertainty in their children.  Whether you’re waiting for GCSE, A-level, or BTEC results, this time of year can bring up big emotions for young people and their families.

Supporting a child through results day requires patience, empathy, and a focus on their wellbeing. By creating a supportive environment, listening to their concerns, and acknowledging their hard work, parents can help their child through this stressful period. Focusing on their individual experience and celebrating their achievements, regardless of the results, is crucial for building resilience and confidence. Don’t worry – you’re not alone!  There are some useful resources and links to wellbeing support.

Take a look at our guide to supporting your child through results day

Moving on

Starting something new is always a big step — and it’s okay if it comes with a few wobbles. With encouragement and clear communication, children can head into new schools, colleges or universities feeling more prepared and positive.

Transitions can be an exciting opportunity and often come with the chance to make new friends, explore new interests, and develop independence. But they can be daunting too and it’s normal to feel anxious.

As a parent there’s a lot you can do to help your child manage the change and minimise anxiety, whatever their situation. If you need a helping hand, we have a wealth of resources online.

Take a look at our guide to supporting your child through education transitions

Holding it together

The best support you can offer your child is your presence and understanding. Whatever is on their mind this summer, knowing that home is a safe and encouraging space makes all the difference. This could mean taking time to talk through uncertainties, planning for upcoming change, or keeping up your usual household routine.

Summer may be full of change, but it could also be a time to come together and regroup, ensuring the whole family is ready for the next stage.

Support from Kooth

Access free, safe and anonymous professional support online from Kooth. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to this platform is available instantly 24/7 and includes:

• Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals
• Self-help tools and activities
• Online community

Kooth are running a series of free live forums for children and young people to talk to each other – facilitated by an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner at Kooth. They take place every week on Kooth. You can find out more here

The post Helping young minds to thrive – how to support children and young people through the summer holidays appeared first on Mental Health.

• Friday August 4^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Finding support when experiencing racism or discrimination
• Wednesday August 16^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Feeling overwhelmed by what we see on social media
• Monday August 7^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Tackling loneliness this summer
• Friday August 25^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Challenging stereotypes around masculinity and strength
• Monday August 28^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Unmasking neurodiversity and learning difficulties

The post Live forums on Kooth this summer appeared first on Mental Health.

• Tuesday July 22nd: 4pm to 5pm
• Thursday July 24th: 10am to 11am

What’s it about?

In 2023, Greater Manchester saw 340 probable deaths by suicide, highlighting the urgent need for action. The session will cover showcase accessible support & resources to help navigate Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

What’s included?

• Live webinar for all professionals
• A Linktree showcasing specific resources and services that aim to support suicide prevention and awareness

Free digital mental wellbeing support

Join the community and access free, safe and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes:

• Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals
• Self-help tools and activities
• Online community Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) www.kooth.com 

The post KoothTalks Suicide Prevention and Awareness webinar appeared first on Mental Health.