Orkney Emotional Wellbeing Service

Our early intervention service works with young people aged eight to 18 across Orkney who are identified as requiring support with their mental health and wellbeing. We aim to provide support and assistance to those who are not currently heavily involved with statutory agencies.

We have two strands within the service: the Orkney Emotional Wellbeing Service who offer emotional wellbeing support to those aged between eight and 18 years old, and SKIPTA, who offer support to young people aged 12 to 18 who are negatively impacted by alcohol or substance misuse, either their own or parental.

Through our services, and in partnership with local statutory and non-statutory agencies, we aim to improve the health equality and life expectancy of children in Orkney by tackling any problems in their early years of life.

• We work directly with young people (aged eight to 18) and their families or carers who require support with their mental health and emotional wellbeing but who are not currently heavily involved with statutory agencies.
• We use a young person-centered approach to build trust and address any issues affecting their wellbeing such as difficulties at home, in education, or problems within the community.
• We work in partnership with local statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families.
• We support parents on implementing effective parenting strategies and empower families to use family-led decision making.
• We offer long term intervention by teaching the skills necessary for emotional wellbeing.
• We signpost young people and their families to other agencies that will offer relevant support.
• We hold follow-up meetings with the young person and their family three months after their use of our service to ensure they are confident in implementing the strategies they have learned, and do not feel they need further or continued support.

• Referrals from education, community education, health, social work, schools, third sector, and the police will all be considered.
• Parents and young people can self-refer to the service.
• If the young person is under 16 years old, consent will be sought from the parents. If the young person is aged between 16 and 18 years old, consent will be sought from the young person themselves.