Bauska Municipality Sees Rising Demand for Youth Support
Bauska Municipality's Social Service has helped 43 young people so far this year, and demand continues to grow. The association "Laiks jauniešiem" assists about 100 young people each year.
In Bauska Municipality, in Latvia's Zemgale region, a growing number of young people are seeking help with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The municipal Social Service says 43 young people have received support since the start of the year. Meanwhile, the local association "Laiks jauniešiem" ("Time for Youth") helps roughly 100 young people annually, and in almost a third of cases immediate intervention is needed. The situation was reported by the Zemgale regional television channel.
Difficulties named
Inese Kalniņa, head of the Family Support Department at the Bauska Municipality Social Service, listed relationship problems in the family, at school and among peers, thoughts of suicide, and addictions. Gints Jankovskis, chair of the association's board, said behavioural problems are often linked to difficulties in communication. In his view, young people often need to be listened to and to talk, not to be judged.
Young people also shared their own experiences. Alans, aged 15, came to the association after serious problems with the police, as he had to complete probation work there. He said he was given a choice, was not reproached and was listened to, and that he no longer causes trouble. Kristaps, aged 24, recalled 2021, when he suffered severe depression during the Covid period while finishing 12th grade.
Support offered by the municipality
Two social workers at the Social Service work with young people, assessing each case and the support needed. The service has one psychologist and, when necessary, works with six more whose services the municipality purchases. A child psychiatrist is involved when required, and staff accompany young people to an addiction specialist. Since October the municipality has also joined a support programme for young people with behavioural and addiction problems.
Help can be sought from the Social Service, school support staff or the helpline 116111. In acute cases, call 113; the free crisis helpline is 116123. If depression is suspected, the first step is to consult a family doctor.
