Meet the ground-breaking mental health project supporting over 500 young people each year

The Low Level Mental Health Support in Schools partnership in Dumfries and Galloway walked away with the top prize in last year’s #YLSAwards Health & Wellbeing category.

Group shot of awards winners at the national youth work awards. One man in a wheelchair at the front of the photo holds the trophy.

The Youth Information in Schools Project delivers crucial low-level mental health support to over 500 young people annually. This groundbreaking programme equips young people with strategies to navigate the challenges they face in their lives. The project brings together youth work, educational psychology, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), school nursing, and psychology. We caught up with one of the youth information workers Jenny McLean to talk about the team’s #YLSAwards experience last year.

Tell us about the project and why it was nominated?

My team, Dumfries and Galloway Youth Work Service, were nominated in two categories: Team of the Year and Health & Wellbeing Project of the Year. The specific project that was nominated, Mental Health in Schools Project, deliver mental health support in all 14 secondary schools in Dumfries and Galloway and is a huge source of support for hundreds of young people weekly!

How did it feel to be nominated?

My team and I were ecstatic! It was such a lovely feeling of recognition. We’re so focused daily on our young people that we sometimes forget to stop and take a moment to recognise what we have achieved. Being nominated allowed us a moment to reflect on our practise and celebrate all we have achieved so far! It fuelled a renewed sense of motivation! It was a truly gratifying moment.

Tell us about the buildup to the Awards ceremony?

I feel it really brought the team together. We were all sharing our excitement and nerves. It was such a proud moment to share with our young people and schools that we had been nominated. There was a real buzz in our organisation in the lead up!

Low Level Mental Health Support Health and Wellbeing Awards 2023
Two members of the team dance their way up the red carpet after being announced as winners.

What was it like attending the National Youth Work Awards ceremony?

What a fantastic experience! The venue, the hospitality, the food, the atmosphere – all amazing! The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. It was a wonderful experience to meet new people and be inspired by all the projects nominated!

How did it feel to be announced as a #YLSAwards winner?

It is a moment I will never forget and one of the most memorable moments of my life so far. I felt so proud of my team, and it gave us a real boost of confidence. The feeling of the overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment is something I will never forget. It was as if all the hard work and dedication had paid off and, in that moment, we felt an indescribable sense of validation.

What has becoming a #YLSAwards winner meant to you and your team, and how has it imapcted your youth work?

Winning instilled in us a newfound confidence, drive, and thorough belief in our ability! It not only provided us with external recognition and validation but also sparked a sense of empowerment. Winning has opened doors to new opportunities, expanded our networks and allowed us to inspire others through our achievements!