We’re delighted to tell everyone we’ve managed to secure two pieces of grant funding to pay for iPads for therapeutic use in our Children and Young People’s service.
Fowler Smith and Jones and Colchester Catalyst both awarded us funding following successful applications. FSJ contributed £2,000 towards the purchase of iPads and Colchester Catalyst granted a further £4,698.
We now hope to purchase up to eight iPads, licensing for specialist software and relevant apps that will support our work with children and young people experiencing problems with their emotional wellbeing.
Rosie Hawes, our Children and Young People’s Manager said: “Not only is digital technology part of our young people’s lives, research also shows there is therapeutic benefit to using this type of technology to support the recovery journey of children and young people. The iPads will give us access to approved programmes and apps at our fingertips when working with young people, particularly when we are seeing them in environments such as their schools. We will now be able to use a real-time electronic way of recording how they’re getting on, rather than paper based, which will not only free up the time of our workers to spend more quality time with our young people, but also give young people a more interactive experience. They’ll also be really useful for exploring online safety with some of our clients who may be exhibiting risk-taking behaviours with their online usage. The therapeutic possibilities with this type of technology is endless! We’re so grateful to the two organisations who are supporting this work by funding the equipment for us.”
Stephanie Grant, Colchester Catalyst, said: “Colchester Catalyst aims to provide support that benefits as many people as possible, by making a positive contribution to the improvement of health care within the community of north east Essex specifically where help is not available from statutory organisations for specific and well-defined projects, including therapeutic aids. We’re happy to have been able to support Mid and North Essex Mind in the purchase of iPads as we recognise the benefits they’ll have in supporting recovery of young people struggling with their emotional wellbeing.”
Alix Mason, Grants Administrator at Fowler Smith and Jones Trust, said: “The Fowler Smith and Jones Trust is a long-established Trust supporting local Essex communities through a wide variety of charities with a focus on the disadvantaged and young people. We are delighted to have been able to support Mid and North Essex Mind in this IT project which is so important in enabling and enhancing communication.”
Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder. We help with things like bullying, low mood, drug and alcohol worries, emotions, family problems, anxiety and anger.
If you want to know more about our Children and Young People’s service visit these pages.