Children’s charity shows Torbay MP impact of pressures on young people

Torbay MP Steve Darling visited The Children’s Society in Torbay on 18 December to learn more about the challenges facing young people across Devon.

The Liberal Democrat MP met staff delivering early help and crisis services for children and teenagers, including support for mental health, victims of exploitation and abuse, and young carers.

The Children’s Society provides targeted short- and medium-term therapy for young people who have experienced abuse and exploitation, as well as one-to-one emotional wellbeing support, mentoring schemes for teenagers and work to improve access to education. The charity also partners with schools across Devon to help identify and support young carers.

Mr Darling said the visit highlighted the scale of need locally.

“The Children’s Society does incredible work for our young people,” he said. “Children are 100% of our future, and it is heartbreaking to hear so many stories of childhoods being stolen by hardship and suffering.

“In Torbay, where deprivation levels are among the highest, this challenge is particularly severe. I will continue to stand with The Children’s Society in their mission to support and protect our young people.”

Natalie Ash, South West area manager for The Children’s Society, said teenagers across the county were facing a range of hidden pressures.

“These include mental health difficulties, the risk of exploitation and abuse, the cost-of-living crisis and overstretched children’s services,” she said.

“We’re very proud of the impact our early intervention services are able to make and welcomed the opportunity to show how vital they are in helping prevent children from reaching crisis point.”