Sanctuary for Larne pupils to ‘Relax and Chillax’

‘Relax and Chillax’ is a new free service available every Wednesday lunchtime to all year 11 and 12 pupils at the school.

The initiative, led by Larne YMCA One Stop Shop and the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) Larne Locality Planning Group, provides a safe place for young people to speak to service providers from the voluntary, community and statutory sector.

Pupils will have the opportunity to have access to local service providers in a familiar environment.

They will be able to discuss issues and concerns such as bullying, making friends, stress over exams or issues arising from home or personal circumstances.

It will also be a place where pupils can go to get involved in activities, play games, make friends, relax, chill, eat their lunch and have familiar faces to chat with.

John Armstrong, Principal of Larne High School, said:“We are excited to be involved in this initiative and hope that it now offers an opportunity for pupils from years 11 and 12 to access additional help if they require it.”

Karen Graham, coordinator of Larne YMCA One Stop Shop, added: “The ‘Relax and Chillax’ initiative is an example of how local young people together with statutory, voluntary and community agencies can work together to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

The Larne Locality Planning Group works to co-ordinate existing services for young people to make them more effective.

It also regularly reviews needs in the area to see that services meet the actual needs identified by young people and their families.

The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, led by the Health and Social Care Board, is a multi-agency partnership that includes the leadership of key statutory agencies and community and voluntary organisations that have a responsibility for improving the lives of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.

For more information about the CYPSP visit www.cypsp.org