New app launches to combat suicide among young people in Stoke-on-Trent
It's the first of its kind in the UK
A first-of-its-kind new app's launching in Stoke-on-Trent to improve lives and offer instant help to young people whose mental health hits breaking point.
The ‘UTH City’ app has been created following one year of extensive research by Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective (SOTYC), to provide a digital space for youth engagement, activities and support all in one place.
As well as features such as local events, activities, education, training, jobs, apprenticeships and support services - the app also has its own unique suicide prevention button, which is linked to under 18s crisis care team and Staffordshire Police. Users can also access a ‘talk to support’ which directs to personal ‘safe’ contactsL adding an extra layer of support.
Dawn Reynolds is the founder of Ruff and Ruby Urban Youth Charity which was formed in 2010 to engage, empower and help young people to reach their potential.
The SOTYC is a dynamic movement for change which is made up of 95 citywide youth organisations, which Dawn also founded alongside Ben Gibson of In2Health & Wellbeing.
Dawn said: “Our experience working across the City of Stoke-on-Trent spans over 26 years, and we’re aware hundreds of young people in the area have limited life chances, low self-esteem and aspirations, which is something we always aim to change.
"Over the years we have seen increasing numbers of young people who experience suicidal thoughts and therefore it was very important to us to have a suicide prevention button included. The concept has been co-designed with local young people and a working group of mental health specialists - Crisis Care Team, NHS Young People Service - CYPISH, CAMHS, North Staffs MIND and CHANGES.
“This feature is unique and there is no other like it in the country. We have ensured its robust, and at the same time aims to reduce suicide in young people.”
Stats show suicide as the biggest killer of those aged under 35
Kay Speedman, Trustee of Ruff & Ruby and ex-serving police officer, whose daughter took her own life says: “If there was something like this out there years ago then Cailtlin may have not have taken her life. This is going to be life changing where young people can access the support, information and help they need with one tap to realise their value, have hope and purpose.”
For the initial project funding from the National Lottery Community Fund was awarded to Ruff & Ruby, who were supported in submitting their bid by Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
The ‘UTH City App,’ has been built by local website and design company - BWAR UK, who are based in Hanley.
Local hip-hop group Antidote have helped write a song to promote the app and to empower young people across the city to follow their dreams and put their creativity to good use.
Dawn said: “Antidote have done amazing and have written the promotional track - Light in Dark Mode for the ‘UTH City App.’ The lyrics are so powerful and we cannot wait to share these with the local communities of Stoke-on-Trent as we move forward in making more of a positive impact on the young people of our City.
“We received 12-month funding from the Lottery, which was great, but we really need support from others so we can push forward - be stronger together and make a difference to the lives of young people."
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