Two new mental health support resources to support children and young people in Waterford city and county were launched at an event held in Mt. Congreve House and Gardens.
“The Way Forward” is a Bibliotherapy initiative to promote wellbeing among children and young people. It is a collaboration between HSE/Community Healthcare’s Primary Care/Child Psychology Services in Waterford and the Waterford City and County Council Library Services. Bibliotherapy is the use of literature to help educate and address a range of mild to moderate mental health, wellbeing and behavioural difficulties. All of the books and resources listed in the guide can be found in your local library in Waterford. This initiative was funded and supported by the Waterford Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC).
The “Guidelines for referrals to mental health and support services in Waterford (for children and young people)” is a resource funded by the HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s Regional Suicide Prevention Resource Office and developed in partnership with the Waterford CYPSC Youth Mental Health Subgroup. The poster is designed for professionals across all agencies to ensure that children and young people are referred to the support service that is most appropriate to their individual needs. The poster highlights the many services and supports available to children, young people and their families across Waterford City and County.
The Breakfast event at in Mt. Congreve House to launch the Bibliotherapy initiative and the Guidelines poster was addressed by Tracy Nugent (HSE Service Manager/Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention) and Dr. Tom Pender (Senior Clinical Psychologist, HSE/Community Healthcare’s Primary Care/Child Psychology Services in Waterford). The event was attended by a broad range of organisations including the HSE, Tusla, Waterford City and County Council and many community and voluntary stakeholders.
Guests were also delighted to be joined by the newly elected Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Coinway, in what was his first public occasion to represent the local authority following his election to the post the previous evening.
Last updated on: 07 / 07 / 2023
