New Littleborough CIC to provide support for teenagers struggling with their mental health

A new community interest company helping teenagers suffering with their mental health has opened in Littleborough.

Founded by qualified therapist Melanie Kenyon Drameh – who has over 10 years' experience specialising in trauma removal – Teen Lives Matter is a not-for-profit company based at Sladen Mill on Todmorden Road.

Melanie says she has noticed an “alarming rise” in teenage suicides, excessive self-harm, and extreme anxiety over the years. Joined by her co-worker Linzi Bamford, they decided to set up a programme dedicated to making a positive change to local children’s lives, offering a support network and help them to work through and understand past trauma.

Working together with a group of passionate people, Melanie and Linzi offer a programme designed to bridge the gap between teenagers feeling in crisis and current lengthy waiting times for available help.

 

 

Over a 12-week period the teenagers will receive one-to-one therapy sessions with a qualified therapist, group therapy, educational lessons about how the mind works and learn how to practice mindfulness. 

As parents of struggling teenagers can also suffer, Melanie and Linzi also provide parental support in the form of training days.

Their aim is to eventually offer this service free to all in need, but are currently asking parents to contribute where possible, due to limited funding being available to them locally.

The programme so far has been self-funded by Melanie.

The opening of Teen Lives Matter in November was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Mike and Margaret Holly. Mayor Holly cut the ribbon and gave a heartfelt speech, in which he said he was “so proud of the people who volunteer within the borough and what an amazing job they all do", and that "losing even one teenager to suicide is one too many.”

Further information about the 12-week programme can be found on the Teen Lives Matter website.

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