By Ellie Saltrick | Corporate and Trusts Fundraiser
Firstly, let me say, a huge thank you to everyone who has donated to us so far! As a small charity, your continued support is invaluable to us so on behalf on everyone at YoungMinds and the people we support – thank you. And for those of you who haven’t, there is still time…
And secondly, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you about our online resouces for which we've seen demand consistently increase for over the last couple of years.
Every year, our website is accessed by 1.5 million people seeking help from YoungMinds. Our website is updated every day with information and advice for children and young people, parents, carers and professionals alike. The website provides trusted and accurate information about mental health problems, treatment options and the real experiences of others. For children and young people, the website provides reassurance that they are not alone, helps them understand how and why they feel the way they do and gives them the confidence to talk to someone.
Our active social media presence is expanding every day, with over 51,000 Twitter followers and nearly 10,000 Facebook likes. Social media provides a vital platform which allows us to engage with various audiences and stakeholders. It helps us reach people quickly, consistently and inexpensively. The nature of social media and the Internet means that for young people who are isolated, either emotionally and too scared to seek help, or geographically from mental health services, are able find help and advice at any time, day or night.
In March 2014, we launched HeadMeds, a unique website which provides information about common mental health medications. Mental health medication can be confusing because there are so many different drugs, different doses, and different side effects. HeadMeds was developed by a team of young people and independent pharmacology experts to create a balance between scientific fact and language that appeals to but doesn’t condescend young people. HeadMeds provides straight talking information about common mental health medications and the side effects. There’s advice about when and where to seek help, and answers to difficult to ask questions - it’s everything young people wanted to know but couldn’t ask, such as, ‘can I drink on this medication?’ or ‘will I gain weight?’
Your support means we can continue to support the hundreds of thousands of people who access our online resources every year so thank you!!
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