My name is Michaela and I have bipolar disorder. I have built a "toolbox" of resources over many years and have a strong support network of family and friends which helps me to manage my mental health condition as well as working closely with my GP and other health professionals to ensure I have the correct help if I need extra support.
I recognise that young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years old are being missed by the system as they are neither children nor have they fully transitioned into adulthood. I want to help those young people who without assistance could end up in Pupil Referral Units, become substance abusers or even worse decide to end their lives as they have no hope for their future.
The aim of the project is to raise funds to run respite camps in the summer holidays. The camps will carry out activities which will build mental resilience, life skills and provide tools and resources to assist in the management of mental health and wellbeing.
The camps will be manned by mental health first aiders and veterans so support will be on hand if a young person needs to talk or is having any mental health difficulties.
There will be links with local Mental Health Trusts so if further assistance is needed, the associated Health Trust can be contacted and be on site to assist the young person if in crisis.
Once the camp is attended, there will be subsequent follow up session with the young person so that we can ensure that they have the support and help they and their families require to keep them well, help grow and develop well into adulthood.