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Brothers In Arms Scotland partner with Thrive Mental Wellbeing to launch free mental health support for teenage boys


By Kirsty Brown

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Brothers in Arms have teamed up with mental healthcare provider Thrive: Mental Wellbeing to tackle mental health issues amongst Scottish teen boys.

The charity, dedicated to preventing male suicide in Scotland, are offering boys aged 14 and above across Scotland free access to their new mental wellbeing app.

It’s estimated that one in four Scots suffer from mental health issues.

With the pandemic creating unprecedented and difficult circumstances for all, shining a light on mental health and how to decrease these numbers became a priority for the government.

However, a recent report highlighted a generational difference, finding young adults suffering from the highest levels of mental distress.

Adding to concerns, figures show that one in three children and young people were turned away from specialist mental health services during the pandemic.

Unease over the thought that Scotland is facing an epidemic of poor mental health amongst the younger generation Brothers in Arms wanted to play a part in supporting and educating the country’s young boys.

Brothers In Arms, in partnership with Thrive: Mental Wellbeing, have launched a version of their mental health app tailored for teen boys.

The app will provide evidence-based techniques and content designed to build resilience, manage worries, and help teens understand their thoughts and feelings.

Allowing them to learn lifelong techniques to manage their mental wellbeing.

CEO at Brothers In Arms Dan Proverbs said: "Our strategy has always been about prevention and not unsurprisingly we have seen a big increase in the 18 to 24-year-old male users of our main app during the pandemic.

"It occurred to me that if we could reach them earlier, at what can be the most crucial age for teens, 14 to 17, and encourage them to proactively look after their mental wellbeing, then we could make even more of a difference to the high rate of male suicide in Scotland, but we need the support of parents and guardians to help us with the delivery of the app to the boys, for it to make the difference."

For parents feeling concerned about their child's mental health, but unsure how to approach the subject Dr Andres Fonseca, CEO at Thrive Mental Wellbeing, said: "The most important thing is to be clear, transparent, and genuine.

"You are worried about what they are going through, and you care about them, that’s why you want to talk to them.

"It might be helpful to go somewhere else to have the conversation, such as taking them for dinner or in the car or perhaps while walking the dog.

"If eye contact is difficult doing an activity can make the conversation easier.

"Let them have time to think.

"It is OK if they fall silent for a while, they may be struggling to express themselves, just give them a bit of time and space.

"Finally, do not be dismissive, take their feelings seriously, you might think they are concerned over nothing, and wondering what a child might have to be depressed or anxious about says to them that you do not think their feelings or emotions are valid or justified.

"Remember that your job is not necessarily to solve the problem, your job is to listen, care and support them to get the right help.

"We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Brothers in Arms to support young Scottish men and believe this partnership will help empower teen boys to take control of their own mental health."

Poor mental health is not just reserved for adults. In fact, 1 in 6 young people are likely to have a mental health issue, but with Initiatives like this, the number of young children facing a path of ill and uneducated mental health can be decreased.

To find out more about BIA’s launch please visit https://www.brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/support/for-boys/


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