A new information booklet has been launched which is aimed at ensuring that all children and young people in Gwynedd and Anglesey have the best possible start in life, no matter where they live or what their background is.
The You Matter booklet, produced by the Gwynedd and Anglesey Local Safeguarding Children Board, is the essential guide for young people. It covers a wide range of issues and problems which youngsters today may face such as drug and alcohol misuse, bullying, mental health problems such as eating disorders or self harming and truancy.
The booklet can help youngsters to get help when they feel they have nowhere to turn, and is available by visiting the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/YouMatter or www.anglesey.gov.uk/YouMatter
The Gwynedd and Anglesey Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) exists to protect children and young people from harm, to improve child welfare and to champion the rights of children across the two counties.
The board is made up of representatives from different agencies involved in all aspects of child welfare. It means better joined up thinking and better cooperation, to allow all children the care and support they need to grow and develop.
The board aims to build strong structures which will protect vulnerable young people by ensuring that any serious or complicated problems they have are dealt with and don’t fall between the cracks.
The chairman of the board, Iwan Trefor Jones, said: “Children and children’s right are at the top the agenda for all the groups represented on the board and we hope that this book can reach out to children who need our help.
“Any child or young person who needs help should know that no matter how dark things appear, or how alone they may feel, there are lots of people out there who care for them and can help.”
Elfyn Jones, the LSCB Business Manager, added: “We hope children and young people of all ages and backgrounds find this booklet useful.
“It features all sorts of information on dealing with stress, misuse of drugs or other substances, sexual exploitation and help and advice on things youngsters need to know like relationships, health, staying safe and their rights.
“Each subject has several helpful hints and tips on how to deal with situations. There are also contact telephone numbers for local and national groups and organisations where young people can get more help if they need it.”
