Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport recently visited the Young People’s Compassionate Distress Response Service (CDRS). 

Run by Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH) on behalf of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), the CDRS provides a listening service for people aged over 16, experiencing emotional distress.

Ms Todd, and colleagues from the Scottish Government, were met by young people who have used the service, as well as staff from GAMH and the HSCP. 

Barbara Adzajlic, Health Improvement Lead, Glasgow City HSCP said: “Since beginning in September 2021, the service has supported 944 young people between the ages of 16 and 26. Staff offer them a listening ear to support them to manage their distress at the initial point of crisis. Young people receive a phone call within 24 hours of referral, and follow up calls for up to a month, or more if needed. Some of the young people also attend the Young Adult Wellbeing Service (YAWS) at GAMH, which offers group work for a longer period of time.”

Ms Todd listened to presentations by young people who talked about their experiences with CDRS and explained about the unique way the service works. She then asked questions and discussed with the young people and staff the importance of providing services that work compassionately and that can respond quickly to need.

Jacqueline Croft, CEO at GAMH, said: “We were delighted to host Ms Todd and her colleagues, and appreciate the interest they have taken in the Young People’s CDRS.”

One of the young people, said: “I’ve had a lot of support in the past, but it didn’t help. I was very quiet and not hopeful when I joined GAMH, but the staff know what to do and what to say to make you feel better. I’m a different person now “

Young people can be referred to the service by their GP, school, college or university, the Youth Health Service, emergency departments and a range of organisations working with young people. 

GAMH also run a CDRS listening service for people over 25 experiencing emotional distress which can be accessed through GPs and other HSCP services. 

For more information, please contact Barbara.adzajlic@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.