Penumbra Borders Youth Project is a community based mental health project for young people aged 16-21 who live in the Scottish Borders.

At Penumbra Borders Youth Project we encourage you to talk about your problems on your terms in a friendly non-judgemental way. We will treat you with respect, and encourage you to become involved in decision making and have an influence over the service you receive.

We offer emotional support and advice to young people experiencing any difficulties relating to their mental health and wellbeing.

Penumbra’s Borders Youth Project offers the following services:

One to One Support

This allows you to talk confidentially about anything that’s bothering you. We will support you to develop a person-centred recovery plan which can give you an opportunity to identify what you want from life and plan, step by step, how to get there. One-to-One support can be arranged with a Project Worker in your area. We can arrange to meet you at a Penumbra centre or another suitable place of your choice.

Drop-ins

These provide a safe, supportive place where you can meet other young people with similar experiences and build a trusting relationship with Project Workers. Specific individual needs can be identified through issues raised at Drop-ins and young people can access one-to-one support to focus on those needs.

Awareness Raising, Mental Health Promotion and Anti Stigma Work

Project Workers will provide on request, awareness raising sessions in schools or in Youth Centres on issues such as stress and how to look after your own mental wellbeing.

Support Groups

Groups are offered on various issues and interests responding to the needs of the young people who are using the Project.

Confidentiality is guaranteed to all service users and none of your information will be passed on to any other organisation without your express permission, with the exception of three distinct circumstances – if you pose a serious risk to yourself, to others, or if you are involved in illegal activities.

Referrals can be made by any agency, parent, friend or by the young person themselves. The young people decide how often and how long they use the Project.