Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) (SC029543) has worked for 21 years with young people (aged 10-21 years) throughout Midlothian, and more recently, in East Lothian. We deliver health and wellbeing services with an emphasis on mental health and substance use. A significant number of the young people who come to us for support are experiencing situations in their families and in their own lives that make them extremely vulnerable. This could be as a result of family breakdown, leaving care, homelessness, trauma, abuse, bullying, caring for adults with a disability and/or mental health difficulties, loss and bereavement. These can leave young people facing issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and low self-esteem.
HOW DO YOU GET HELP FROM MYPAS?
Our services can be accessed through a self-referral, meaning that you can contact us directly if you need support or you can be referred through your GP, teacher, social worker, carer or parent. All of our services are confidential and free.
MYPAS SERVICES
We offer access to a wide range of services promoting health and wellbeing, providing young people with the skills to cope, enjoy life, play their part in the community and reach their full potential. We achieve this through education, information and by providing a safe and welcoming environment with caring staff and volunteers who specialise in youth health.
Our Therapies Team (mental health): provides young people with Counselling, Art Therapy and Family Therapy offering weekly support to young people on a range of issues either on an individual basis or as a family unit. We offer School Counselling across both localities. We also have a specific Young Men’s Therapeutic project which works with vulnerable young men who would traditionally not access therapeutic services, using a range of engagement techniques.
Our Drug and Alcohol Team (substance use): provides one to one support and group work for young people who are experiencing problems with substance use – the team provides individual support for young people who want harm reduction advice, information and support about their substance use and risk-taking behaviours as well as providing group work programmes in both formal and informal settings. The team also provides training for staff and support for families.
Our LGBTQ+ project: MYPAS provides the only LGBT specific support service in Midlothian and East Lothian. This service provides a weekly group for as well as one-to-one support for young LGBT people. The targeted one to one support allows young people a safe space to explore their identity, focus on emotional wellbeing to reduce mental distress and improve social functioning. The project also allows young people to express their voice around LGBTQ+ issues and enhance LGBTQ+ equality in both localities.
