RADIO presenter Stephanie Hirst has opened a new health hub for Barnsley’s vulnerable, homeless young people.
The hub, on Quarry View at Smithies, is run by the charity Centrepoint and enables 16 to 25-year-olds struggling with mental health problems such as anxiety, self-harm and depression, to see a psychotherapist within two weeks. The NHS target waiting time for those aged over 18 is 18 weeks.
The young people will also be able to talk to a healthy relationship advisor who can support people who have experienced domestic violence or exploitation, and offer advice about sexual health.
Stephanie said: “Until last year, I had never witnessed homelessness in Barnsley. I would see homeless people in big cities and try and give some spare change, but not in Barnsley.
“It hit home how much of a serious problem we’ve got.
“Centrepoint, being the wonderful charity it is, is giving homeless young people a chance. These people have grown up in fragmented families, where they’ve never had a solid, family base.
“This is a place where they can come and find support and be able to form bonds with people, which is something they’ve never had before.”
Sue Melton, mental health co-ordinator at Centrepoint, said the two posts had been funded through a £260,000, three-year investment from online retailer ASOS.
She said: “If these young people didn’t live here they would be homeless. Young people who are coming through are at risk of self harm, behavioural problems, drug and alcohol dependency. We look at waiting lists and needs, and we work with people.”
One person whose life has been turned around by the help he has received, is 21-year-old Adam Batley. Adam had been homeless for eight weeks when he got help from Centrepoint.
He said: “For the first time, I feel like I’ve got a future to look forward to.”
Centrepoint provides a safe place for 23 young, homeless people in Barnsley.
