The past year has been tough. Between lockdowns and restrictions, most people have felt isolated from our friends and unable to do a lot of the things in life that we enjoy. The future can feel uncertain, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed, frustrated and disheartened by everything that is going on.
Young Scot, Youth Link and the Scottish Youth Parliament carried out a Lockdown Lowdown report and found that many disabled young people are feeling disconnected, lonely and worried about their health more so than their non-disabled peers. The report found that disabled young people want to access more support for their physical and mental health – which is where Ecas’s Young People’s service comes in.
Where does Ecas come in?
Our Young People’s service doesn’t have all the answers. But what we can provide is a partnership where we can focus on what is important to you and what matters in your life. We take the time to understand your life story, support you to identify goals, and work alongside you to determine plans and solutions at a pace that suits you.
We believe you are the expert in your own life and can play an active part in our communities. The pandemic has made it easy to feel disconnected from our communities, but our partnership will take the time with you to figure out what matters most to you and how you can start to re-engage when it feels safe to do so.
We can work with you towards any personal goal or plan that you want. We have many links with different projects and services across Edinburgh and can support you through the process to reach your desired outcome.
Gemma, 24, has been in touch with Megan for several months now. They chat regularly and explore the different options available to Gemma based on her interests and what she wants to work towards.
“Hello my name is Gemma, my interests are reading, writing, like being active with friends such as going to the cinema or clothes shopping. My experience with the pandemic has been tough but I keep myself busy by exercising at home and making up stories…”
Gemma had been volunteering at a charity shop but due to the restrictions that stopped. As she enjoys writing stories and wanted to improve her typing skills, Megan supported her to apply for the Independent Living Fund (ILF) Transition Fund and Gemma was awarded a grant for a laptop. Gemma joined our one-to-one computing lessons so she can develop her computer skills and engage with online activities when she feels ready to do so.
“…Megan gives me a lot of assistance and guidance about many options available… I have a positive experience and I recommend it.”
While restrictions are in place, we meet participants virtually or over the phone until we can meet in person again. We know things may feel quite difficult right now, however we can be flexible to make sure you get what you need from the partnership.
Want to learn more?
NB: Our Young People’s Service is currently on pause. If you would like to discuss our future work around youth engagement, please contact ally@ecas.scot or call 07500 221 618.
If you want to find out more about what we can offer you or if you would like to discuss referring someone else, please contact Megan: megan@ecas.scot or call/text 07464 871 733.