Tell It Like It Is! : Would you like to get involved in a new website which allows young people to speak out and explore how they feel?

The Loop is being devised by young people for young people and will offer the chance to find help, information and support on a range of issues relating to your feelings.

As well as comic strip scenarios, raps, mini video diaries and links to support we are creating a section devoted to real life stories from young people telling it like it is, how they coped, what help they received and what advice they would give others in similar situations.

Young people who have already spoken out about distressing times say that they felt like the only ones, and that the people they would normally turn to didn’t really take them seriously when they needed help. Some didn’t know what help there was out there or didn’t seek help in case friends made fun of them. Most wished they had got some kind of help sooner. We think that hearing from people who have been through similar situations may help others. Some come on. Get in The Loop and tell it like it is.

You may have been affected by issues such as bullying or self-injury. You may have felt suicidal, paranoid or had an eating disorder; perhaps you were abused or were seriously upset by family events.

If you would like to speak out and tell your story to help others you can do so anonymously or on a first name basis and all information will be dealt with sensitively. All you have to do is answer these questions and post or e-mail them back to me at: kelly.chester@mhmedia.com

1. Can you tell me about a particularly hard time in your life and how you felt?
2. How old were you then and now?
3. Could you tell me a little about events leading up to this?
4. What help were you offered?
5. What do you feel really helped you, or what help would you have liked?
6. Did you feel able to tell others?
7. What advice would you give other young people who may be going through similar stuff?
8. Looking back, how do you feel about your experiences?
9. Where are you from?

If you would like more background information on the work we do take a look at our website at: www.mhmedia.com or call Kelly on: 020 7700 8171.

Note: If you want to get involved with this they are hoping to get most of the personal experiences in by the end of July 2003 so they can get going with the project. Hope some of you manage to send something in as i think it's a really good opportunity to help out people who are going through the same stuff we are/have xxx Rachel