South Shields charity gets cash boost to provide free counselling for families during coronavirus crisis
and live on Freeview channel 276
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
South Tyneside Kids and Young Adults Klub (KAYAKS) - which supports children and young people living with autism and additional needs – has secured almost £5,000 of funding to help families during the coronavirus outbreak.
The charity is working with Sunderland-based Creative Minds North Star Counselling to provide free sessions to KAYAKS members, their families, parents and carers in light of the current crisis.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCommunity interest company, North Star Counselling which provides mental health and well-being support for children, young people and adults is currently delivering counselling sessions online.
KAYAKS members will be offered an initial telephone assessment and if they feel the service would be of use to them will receive up to six 40-50 minutes sessions free of charge.
“We’re all in the same boat but everyone has different needs and many people aren’t coping very well with the current situation,” said KAYAKS chair, Malcolm Osborne.
“Especially lone parents who may be stuck in the house 24/7 with autistic or disabled children.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe charity’s outreach service Kope with KAYAKS - usually held twice a week at Trinity House in South Shields - gives parents and carers the chance to “offload” says Malcolm.
But the sessions have had to be cancelled until further notice due to the lockdown measures announced last month.
“We want people to make use of this new service,” continued Malcolm.
“It could be support of any kind, to do with Covid-19 or grief - a lot of people have lost friends and family.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“From a parent’s perspective it could be that they are worried or stressed and just not getting a break.”
KAYAKS have received £4,800 from funders The Mercers’ Company and members are expected to begin receiving support within a week of making contact.
“There are wider counselling and support services available, but there’s always a long waiting list,” added Malcolm.
“We want to bridge that gap.”
For more information and to access support contact North Star Counselling by email: [email protected] via Facebook page or on 07388513076.
Contact Malcolm directly on 07724162980.