A CHARITY supporting teenagers in need of a little extra help has celebrated its first year in Uttoxeter.
Youth Emotional Support Services (YESS) held its annual general meeting after a busy year to mark the milestone anniversary.
The Uttoxeter charity delivers mental health support to young people within the town and primarily at Thomas Alleyne’s High School and the middle schools Windsor Park, Oldfields and Ryecroft.
Proving there is a need for the service in Uttoxeter, YESS has delivered nearly 600 individual counselling sessions through its first year as well as acquiring charity status.
Organisers have also held several very successful fund-raising activities, which included a charity football match between Uttoxeter Town and Derby Legends in April, Elvis Charity Nights and 32 teachers, staff, friends and family from Thomas Alleyne’s High School attempting the National Three Peaks Challenge in May.
YESS is also The Original Factory Shop’s chosen charity for this year.
Last week’s meeting was attended by Uttoxeter’s deputy mayor Hugh Montgomery, town and borough councillor Andrew Riley and Vicky Hancock, Staffordshire County Council Children’s Commissioner for Targeted and Specialist Services, who spoke of YESS’ forthcoming involvement in the Youngminds project BOND — Better Outcomes Newer Delivery.
During the meeting Simon Wright, chairman of YESS, extended his thanks to all who have supported the work of the charity and his hopes for the future development and growth of this much needed and valued service for the young people of Uttoxeter and surrounding areas.
Project manager Julie Bird said: “The overwhelming need and support for YESS has made this a very special year.
“We hope that by gaining more funding we can develop the service further and look to expand and extend to other areas and ages to meet the growing need.”
YESS was formed following the closure of Uttoxeter Mind in March last year, which meant the loss of young people’s counselling services.
It aims to deliver a range of services to 10 to 19 year olds in the Uttoxeter area which includes one-to-one counselling sessions, group work on specific issues such as anger management, stress, anxiety, exam stress, confidence and self esteem.
