Supported lodgings young people's guide
4. Professionals involved in your support
There are many different professionals working alongside us, and you may have contact with some or all of them whilst living at Gateshead supported lodgings service.
Social Worker
Your Social Worker will be in regular contact to ensure that you are getting the support that you need and will visit you here at Gateshead supported lodgings service.
We will talk to your social worker about how we feel things are going, and any additional support that they be able to offer that we think would help you be safe and achieve your goals.
Doctor, dentist and optician
We will support you to register with a local GP, NHS dentist and optician.
Looking after your mental health
Just like our physical health, our mental health can sometimes feel out of order, and when that happens for you, we will help you to access the best support for you.
Signs that your mental health may be feeling under strain include:
- feeling sad or down
- confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
- extreme mood changes of highs and lows
- withdrawal from friends and activities
- significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
- detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
- inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
- problems with alcohol or drug use
- major changes in eating habits
- thoughts of harming yourself
- excessive anger, hostility or violence
- suicidal thinking
Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:
- speak to your hosts
- reach out to a close friend or loved one
Education and employment
Your host can help you to make contact and explore the opportunities available to you.
Once you are enrolled in college and attending regularly, you will usually be given a bus pass, which can be used to travel locally to college and to other places.