Youth Service

Living with a parent or family member who has Huntington’s disease can be extremely difficult and young people often need specialist support to cope with the unique challenges this brings.

 

Many have taken on caring responsibilities from a young age while others are no longer able to live with their parent because at-home care is no longer possible. Some are grieving for loved ones and are worried about how their own health will be impacted in the future.

 

SHA’s Specialist Youth Advisors are here for young people from HD families all across Scotland from 8 to 25 years old. We provide the personalised support and information young people need and create opportunities for them to build new friendships and enjoy experiences that they might otherwise miss out on.

 

We work in partnership with families and the young people, which includes a growing network of volunteer Youth Ambassadors from HD families who provide peer-to-peer support, help to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease in their communities and share their experiences with potential funders of this vital service.

How we do this

One-to-one support

Our young people meet with and talk to their dedicated SHA Specialist Youth Advisor regularly to help them cope with the challenges they face at home and to prepare for what could lie ahead.

group sessions & peer support

Meeting other young people your own age from HD families to learn together and share experiences helps to reduce feelings of isolation and open up new friendships.

residential breaks & camp

Our annual Summer Camp and residential breaks are free of charge to our young people so they can enjoy some ‘me’ time with friends, build their resilience and develop coping strategies.

activity days

We bring our young people together for more localised activity sessions throughout the year so they can enjoy time with friends and our Specialist Youth Advisors.

our stories

Every young person has a different experience of how Huntington’s disease impacts their lives and the lives of their loved ones. We thank them for sharing their stories with us and each other.

films & resources

Our digital and print resources have been developed by the Youth Service to ensure the information being shared is appropriate for the age of each young person.

Contact your local Specialist Youth Advisor

Grant Walker
Youth Service Lead

Argyll & Bute
Grampian
Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Forth Valley
Highland

Lanarkshire
Tayside

Erin Armstrong
Specialist Youth Advisor

Ayrshire & Arran
Dumfries and Galloway
Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Lanarkshire

 

 

 

Jenny Bruce
Specialist Youth Advisor

Grampian
Highland
Tayside

 

 

 

pete carruthers
Specialist Youth Advisor

Fife
Lothian
Scottish Borders

 

 

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Information for parents
Youth Service Policies and Procedures

Resources for professionals

Training for practicioners

Financial Wellbeing Service
HD Specialist Service
Fundraising

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