Project Overview
What we do
The iMATTER project has been established to offer culturally responsive support for young people from aged 11 – 25 in and around the Sandwell area, experiencing issues in their lives. These issues may be long term or short term and may also present differently in different individuals. Some of these areas may include.
- Depression; affects more children and young people today than in the last few decades. Teenagers are more likely to experience depression than young children.
- Self-harm; is a very common issue among young people. Some people who experience intense emotional pain may try to deal with it by hurting themselves.
- Anxiety; can cause young people to become extremely worried. Very young children or children starting or moving school may have separation anxiety.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); can follow physical or sexual abuse, witnessing something extremely frightening or traumatising, being the victim of violence or severe bullying or surviving a disaster.
- Children who are consistently overactive, impulsive and have difficulty paying attention may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Eating disorders; usually start in the teenage years and are more common in girls than boys. The number of young people who develop an eating disorder is small, but eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can have serious impacts on their physical health and development
- Phobias; are an extreme fear of an object, person, animal, activity, place, feeling or situation. If you are struggling with a phobia, you are not alone. With help, you can get better
This is not an exhaustive list.
What does this support look like?
Our staff have vast experience of working with young people who may have experienced one or more of the areas listed above. We will provide you with a bespoke coaching program tailored to your individual needs, to support you in the areas you wish to improve. This will begin with an initial meeting which can take place over the phone or face to face. During this conversation we will be able to discuss what might work for you. At iMATTER we understand that you may not know what support you would like or need, and equally may not wish to meet face to face initially. This is what we will discuss during the very first conversation and hopefully put your mind at some ease. You have made the first step by contacting us!
How can I access the service?
If you feel as though you, or someone you know may benefit from accessing our service, there are multiple ways to contact us. You may wish to check out our website first, read our testimonials, give us a call or pop in and see us face to face. We are also easily accessible from West Bromwich Bus Station.
We can;
- Have a chat over the phone and discuss how iMATTER could support you
- Meet at the KUUMBA centre and have a one-to-one meeting / chat / discussion
- Meet at a local coffee shop or public place of your choosing
- Go for a walk locally or use public transport to access a wider range of facilities
- Visit a public establishment where you feel comfortable such as the gym, leisure centre, local shopping centres etc.
What happens next?
Please feel free to give us a call, send an email or drop into the Kuumba Centre and speak to a member of staff. We are open Monday – Friday – 9:30 – 17.00