MENTAL HEALTH support will be available for children in Stonehouse, free at the point of use. 

This comes after discussions in recent months between Councillor Nick Housden (Stonehouse Ward) and the director of the Life Bus CIC & Chance is Change, Tom Hoskins. 

The agreement will see support offered for two hours every week over the next year.

Sessions are fully funded, meaning they will be free at the point of use for the young person.

The agreement also offers online and phoneline support for any young person in the area who may be struggling with their mental health. 

Using his innovative ‘Life Bus’ Tom will be available for drop in and bookable appointments.

The Life Bus CIC is a Mental Health & Counselling service, currently working with young people across a large number of schools in Gloucestershire. 

Using funding from his Gloucestershire County Council Councillors Fund, Nick has agreed for Tom to be based in Stonehouse, Eastington and Standish for mental health sessions.

Tom said: "I am so excited about this! Nick really wants to help young people and this initiative is going to make a massive difference!

“The Life Bus will be available to really support those who need it. This is an innovative way to support young people and reaches those who need it the most!”

Cllr Housden said: “I am delighted to have reached this agreement with Tom to really give our young people the support they need.

"As a new Councillor, this has been a priority for me and this really is a big step in the right direction. 

"We will soon be announcing where these sessions will take place and the process for booking.

"Our plan is to role this out within the next two months!”

Cllr Stephen Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding & Early Years said: "The Covid pandemic has had a real impact on our young people.

"It is great to see our County Councillors fund being used to fund the recovery with a focus on young people in Stonehouse, Eastington and Standish.

"This is a great initiative."