StreetWise: Providing support to youths of the local community

First published 11th of November 2020, RGU Radar Magazine

An award-winning Aberdeen charity, set up in the name of one of Scotland’s finest footballers and aimed at taking sporting activities to the city’s young people, has announced a new initiative to help them with support for mental health.

Image: RGU Radar Magazine Design Team

The Denis Law Legacy Trust, named in honour of the Aberdeen-born former Manchester United and Scotland star, has introduced StreetWise, a free online facility designed to help youngsters with mental health and addiction problems, like gambling, alcohol and drugs.

The Trust, which, in partnership with RGU, Gray’s School of Art and other emergency services, offers free sports and creative activity sessions through its StreetSport programme, has recognised that due to budget cuts in many support services, young people had nowhere to turn.

Mark Williams, the DLLT’s chief executive, insisted many of the youngsters participating in StreetSport had confided in the charity’s volunteers that they were concerned about the length of time they would have to wait for support.

He said: “Our information is that they were being told they might have to wait up to four months for support.

“So, we set about putting in place a service that would encompass

these needs in a way that would be most suitable and offer immediate

support during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Rather than having no-one, they now have StreetWise which will help guide them

through this difficult time.

“This entails them having 24/7 access to information, via an online chat, anonymously, or even face to face if possible.

“The important thing is that there is an option that works best for them.”

The link to the StreetWise support can be found at https://www.denislawlegacytrust.org/streetwise.

For further information please contact Mark Williams on 01224 263681.