Parent, Carer & Friend Hub
Supporting a Young Person in the Scottish Borders
Seeing a young person you care about struggle with their mental health can be challenging. Whether you are a parent, carer, partner, or friend, this hub provides practical advice on starting conversations, navigating referrals, and looking after your own wellbeing while supporting a young adult aged 16 to 25
1. How to Start a Mental Health Conversation
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Choose a Low-Pressure Moment: Talk while doing an activity together—such as going for a walk, driving, or making a meal—where eye contact isn't mandatory.
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Focus on Active Listening: Allow them space to share what they are experiencing with low mood or stress without jumping in to offer immediate solutions.
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Validate Their Feelings: Reassure them that feeling overwhelmed by relationships, anxiety, or grief is normal and that support is available.
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Avoid Pressuring Them: If they aren't ready to talk right away, let them know you are there whenever they feel comfortable opening up.
Opening a discussion about mental health with a young adult requires patience and care. Young people may be dealing with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, low mood, unwanted behaviours, phobias, relational issues, grief, or loss
2. Understanding the Referral Process
Knowing how to access support helps remove uncertainty for both you and the young person.
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Referral Options: One Step Borders accepts self-referrals directly from young people, as well as referrals from other services.
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Supporting a Self-Referral: If the young person prefers to self-refer, you can offer practical help, such as sitting with them while they complete the form or encouraging them to take that first step.
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Professional Standards: One Step Borders is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring all therapeutic services and training are safe, ethical, and professional
3. Looking After Your Own Wellbeing
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Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Balance your support for the young person with your own daily routines, work, and rest.
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Stay Connected: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or peer support groups when you need to process your own feelings.
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Seek Support When Needed: Remember that carer support networks and local healthcare resources are available to help you navigate your role.
Supporting someone else through a tough time can take an emotional toll. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the resilience to continue supporting them.
Get in Touch
The Living Room
Unit 5a Tweedmill Business Park
Dunsdale Road, Selkirk, TD7 5DZ
03003110371