News reports located on this page = 2.

Shortlist revealed for name of new Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessel

THE Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is providing an opportunity for members of the public to voice their preferences for the name of its new vessel. Due to arrive in the Island in spring 2023, it has been confirmed the purpose built ferry will take a traditional Steam Packet Company vessel name, ensuring a key piece of its 190 year history forms part of its newest chapter. The Company has shortlisted 4 potential names which are being considered:-

Each of the names have a strong connection with the Company and will evoke fond memories for many. The Steam Packet Company is keen to hear from the public on this exciting next step, and is inviting people to submit their favourite out of the four traditional names.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward explained:- "We feel that a traditional Steam Packet Company name for the new vessel is an important detail and after much consideration on what we believe is most fitting, have selected four well recognised and historic names. We are interested in the opinions of members of the public and hope they take the time to express their views, all of which will be taken into consideration when making the final decision."

To find out more about each of the shortlisted names, visit the Steam Packet Company Blog. To select your favourite, head to:- Steam-Packet.Com. The public have until 12:00 noon, on Monday, 30 November 2020, to submit their favourite name.

Free counselling for young people aged 13 to 21 as anxiety levels grow during Covid19 Pandemic

YOUNG people aged between 13 and 21 years old are being offered free counselling through an innovative new campaign.  Research released by the Office for National Statistics, on Thursday, 22 October 2020, reveals that 1 in 6 young people are struggling with their mental health through the ongoing Covid19 Pandemic.

They are facing growing levels of anxiety and depression of worries over:- money, jobs, relationships, identity, health, exams, bullying, drugs, sexual identity, discrimination, body image, loneliness, eating problems, self harm, family issues, abuse, phobias, self esteem, knife crime, bereavement, loss and many more.

The Snow Camp charity and JHD Counselling aim to break down the barriers that stop young people receiving the mental health support they both need and deserve.

At a time when the waiting time for initial assessments for NHS counselling has risen above 7 months, JHD Counselling is pledging to speak to any young person who needs mental health support within 24 hours, with the initial appointment within 5 days.

JHD Counselling founder Carol Harmston-Dean said:- "If you are a youth worker, social worker, parent or teacher of a young person who is struggling with their mental health, you can now refer that young person to get free mental health support by following the link below and filling out a form on their behalf:- StopBreatheThink.Co.UK. No young person should have to deal with their struggles alone, help them get support today."

Snow Camp engages with young people through skiing and snowboarding to provide life skills training and mental health support, while enabling them to gain qualifications and employment in the snowsports industry and beyond. They were founded in 2003.

The charity works with disadvantaged youngsters in Cities such as:- London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, who may have dropped out of education, or are in danger of being drawn into crime or knife crime.

Earlier this month they launched their new:- 'Stop - Breathe - Think' mindfulness campaign using drill music to help tackle knife crime. They said:- "The initiative brings together a drill artist and mental health experts to provide mindfulness techniques to help young people manage their emotions. The campaign will also encourage young people across the UK to sign up for Snow Camp's free series of mindfulness tutorials and free 1 to 1 counselling sessions. Although mindfulness doesn't eliminate factors that may lead to knife crime, such as fear, anger and anxiety, we hope that by providing young people with mindfulness techniques, they can become better equipped to handle their emotions in the moment; with a better chance of reacting calmly."

Being able to offer free counselling to people aged 13 to 21 during the Pandemic could help many at a time when they need it most. Carol Harmston Dean from JHD Counselling said:- "Snow-Camp initially approached us about us providing some of our courses. A few weeks later they said they want to expand their mental health provision and support for young people, to become UK wide. They have opened it up to anyone who needs it. Any young person between 13 and 21 who needs help and support can contact us for help or visit the website:- StopBreatheThink.Co.UK. There are some great 'Stop - Breathe - Think' videos that young people can watch. They cover things that everyone deals with from time to time, such as anger, anxiety, loneliness and even dealing with Covid19. There is also a button on the site which people can press if they need help or counselling. That sends a referral directly to us and we go from there."

Carol Harmston-Dean revealed a range of issues young people are facing during the Coronavirus Pandemic. She said:- "I understand that home life might be tricky for many of them. Their parents might have suddenly found themselves out of work, they might be working from home, they might have money worries, they might be getting used to new dynamics of everyone living with each other. There may be other issues over relationships, bullying, identity issues, or bereavement if their families or friends are impacted directly by Covid. Coronavirus has also been a very testing time for a lot of relationships. There are no other counselling services out there for young people like this, and this is free, which is amazing. If we get a referral, the young person will be responded to within 24 hours and an initial appointment will be made within 5 days. A lot of Schools in the UK can no longer afford to take on School counsellors, so many of them have told us that they are keen to see this service too."