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KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) – Teens in Kinston will have the opportunity to learn more about mental wellness this summer with the help of a new program offered by Kinston Teens in partnership with Trillium
“It’s our Peer Wellness Leaders program, and it’s a new initiative that we’ve started for this summer. We’re going to have Trillium come in, train our young people about teen mental health first aid so that they can go out and make sure that they’re taking care of themselves and others,” Bridget Rouse, Kinston Teens’ Youth Engagement Manager said
For young people ages 14 to 18 in Kinston, the Peer Wellness Leaders program will provide skills and experience to teens that support mental wellness among their peers
Teens will receive a nearly $500 stipend for completing the program. They will also get a chance to earn their mental health first aid certification as well as opportunities to get connected with mentors, peers and community leaders
“There’s so many things surrounding our youth that affect their mental health so this is a great program for our youth to implement and utilize on a daily basis,” said Candace Tilghman-Rouse, a parent
Tilghman-Rouse, who has a 15-year-old son, said programs like these are important for teens to get out and serve their communities, while supporting themselves and each other
“We want to promote positivity within our community, I’m an educator myself, and so many times you hear it’s nothing to do in the community. So, this is one thing that youth can involve themselves in to promote positivity amongst our community,” Tilghman-Rouse said
Teens will be trained on how to spot different signs and symptoms as it pertains to mental health, and who to get in touch with in any cases of a crisis
For more information on the Kinston Teens wellness program, visit kinstonteens.org
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