YOUNG Melksham will launch a new dedicated service for kids who are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The service, which aims to help young people through uncertain times, will be available on a Tuesday and Friday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm.

The phoneline will be set up so that young people can confidentially speak to a trained and qualified counsellor about their situation.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, chairman of the Children’s Select Committee said: “It’s a number that they can call if they’re concerned, worried, upset. We’ve got young people who are facing what they think are uncertain futures because their exams were cancelled.

“We’ve got young people who haven’t seen their friends for a long time and you’re going to get some young people who don’t get on very well with the rest of their family and now they’re stuck in the house with them.

“All of these young people, from time to time, will find themselves in a pretty low place.”

Cllr Hubbard believes this service is critical for young people coming to terms with the outbreak of Covid-19.

He added: “There’s all sorts of pressures and strains that go through their minds and people will be scared, not just for their families but their friends and what’s going on around them.”

Cllr Hubbard urged young men especially to take note of the service, as he said: “This isn’t the time to man up, it isn’t the time to hide what you’re going through.

“Now is the time to say, ‘I need some help to cope with this’ because we all need help to cope with this.

“I just hope that this can be one small part of being able to do that.”

The service will run until the country is out of lockdown, but Cllr Hubbard expects to provide a similar service once restrictions have been lifted.

He said: “We’re all going to have to get used to going back to some semblance of normality again and that’s going to be difficult.

“I think the fallout for some might be harder than dealing with going through it all.”

If you or someone you might know will benefit from the scheme, they can call 01225 667328 or email talk@youngmelksham.org.uk.