Local youth charity No Limits is asking for donations to help support young people in mental health crisis ahead of World Mental Health Day on Monday (Oct 10).

It says over the last 12 months it’s seen a 28% increase in young people seeking help for their emotional wellbeing, and a 76% increase in the number of young people visiting its out-of-hours Safe Havens for those in emotional crisis.

Donations given through the campaign will be used to buy craft materials, jigsaws, colouring books and board games for the three Safe Havens in Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight.

These resources are vital to help those who visit to relax, distract and give them space to recover.

No Limits explained that young people find it hard to talk to a youth worker the minute they arrive at a Safe Haven, often being too distressed. It said engaging with calming activities helps ground them and gives them something to focus on while talking to a youth worker.

Vicki Mogridge-Percy, Safe Haven project manager, said, “Our Safe Havens are seeing increasing demand for their services. They give young people somewhere safe to go at a time of emotional crisis.

“Craft, jigsaws and colouring may all seem very simple things, but they are a vital tool in encouraging young people to open up and talk about the emotional turmoil they are feeling – they really can make a huge difference.”

To donate and help No Limits fund vital resources, visit https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/donate/

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