New mental health website launched for Renfrewshire’s young people and families

Young people and their families in Renfrewshire can now access local mental health and wellbeing support through a new website.

Known as Ren10, the website is the front face of the community mental health and wellbeing service provided by Renfrewshire Council as part of the response to mental health issues that our communities are facing and have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The service aims to provide more preventative and early intervention support that children, young people and their families and communities can access quickly.

It’s hoped that early support will reduce community mental health deteriorating to levels where significant interventions are needed.

The site can signpost young people to a wealth of information and advice, as well as providing support and advice for parents and families.

Renfrewshire Council’s education convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “Having access to proactive mental health support as early as possible has never been more important. We know that the pandemic had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone, and that’s why we have community support as well as bespoke support available for children and young people.

“On the website, you can find the right information and support you need, and links to these supports, such as Togetherall, which is a web-based advice and peer support service for young people, and SHOUT, a text-based service for any age.

“It’s also important to reach out to your child’s school if you have concerns for their mental health or your own. Our schools can help you find the right support for you, including support where you need to be referred to access.”

Togetherall is a free, safe online community where young people aged 16 to 24 can support each other anonymously. Professional counsellors are also on hand. Visit https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/area to sign up.  

Texting ‘Ren10’ to SHOUT on 85258 will start a text message support service and is available for anyone in Renfrewshire.

Parents can also come along to the weekly Ren10 Parent Drop-In sessions to get advice and help from a trained practitioner.

-Wynd Centre, Paisley – Mondays, 9am to 12.30pm

-Foxbar Community Centre – Tuesdays, 9am to 12.30pm

-Tannahill Centre, Ferguslie – Tuesdays, 2pm to 5pm

-Renfrew YMCA – Wednesdays, 9am to 12.30pm

Visit www.ren10.co.uk for more mental health and wellbeing information, support and advice.