South Ayrshire Council News

Clr Margaret Toner (seated right) got a chance to see the award that Jackie Flynn (left) received.

Vulnerable young people need additional support to help them improve the quality of their lives and future prospects, South Ayrshire Council provides this by working in partnership with other agencies.

Young people aged between the ages of 15 and 21, who are either accommodated or looked after by the Council, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless need additional support services. These services are readily available from members of the Throughcare Support Team, which is part of the Council’s Families Services section.

Working in partnership with area team Social Workers, Youth Support, Careers Scotland, Homeless Service, Private Sector Care Providers, Private Landlords, Schools, Health Service and Training Providers the Team supports these young people.

The Team currently supports a caseload of over 70 young people and ensures that young people receive a service that is individualised tailored to meet their needs. It offers a range of services including:

• Accommodation and housing support.
• Self esteem, social skills and leisure.
• Employment, training, hopes and aspirations.
• Health needs and family support.
• Alcohol, drug use and offending.
• Family mediation services.
• Health needs and family support.

The outstanding calibre of the staff carrying out this challenging work was acknowledged in 2007 when Jackie Flynn, received the Scottish Mental Health Nurse of the Year award for her work within the Throughcare Support Team in the Scottish Health Awards 2007.

Jackie Flynn is a Community Psychiatric Nurse, attached to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and has been part of the Throughcare Support Team for five years, with her post being funded by NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Jackie said: “Many young people who have been looked after or accommodated by the Team can experience emotional difficulties and mental health issues, both as a result of their earlier childhood experiences and as a consequence of being accommodated away from home. It is a real team effort and I am grateful for the support I receive from NHS Ayrshire and Arran, my Manager and other team members.”

Jackie provides specialist support and intervention to young people, as well as giving support and assistance to her colleagues in relation to mental health issues. Her professional contacts enable her to access a wide range of health service provision for vulnerable young people.”

Councillor Margaret Toner, the Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Community Services said: “All of the Throughcare Support Team members are highly dedicated and provide a very worthwhile service to young people who, through no fault of their own, require additional support.

“The Team give practical help and guidance that really does change young peoples lives and help them to go on to be successful and active citizens.

On behalf of all the young people that they have helped in the past, and those that they will help in the future, I would like to thank all the Team members for their invaluable work and wish them well for the future. I would particularly like to congratulate Jackie on her award and for the valuable contribution that she makes to the team.”

The team are always looking for people to come volunteer to become Supported Carers and give a home to a young person over the age of 16. Volunteers simply must want to provide a stable home for a young person and let them experience family life, while at the same time teaching them the skills necessary to run a household. An allowance is paid for providing a home for a young person.

Anyone who would like more information about how to become a Carer should contact Throughcare Support Teach staff on telephone number 01292 612092.