Using youth work to support mental health
We use youth work as a tool to provide mental health support to young adults, in a way that is both distinct from medical approaches and distinct from interventions used in formal education. The programmes involve a blend of one-to-one and group work, using challenging and developmental activity to take young adults on a transformational journey. Our mental health work is theoretically underpinned, with an accompanying Theory of Change that guides our practice.
It’s quick and easy to refer yourself for support from Future SELPH. Just click here and fill out the referral form
We deliver several projects that empower 16-25-year-olds to overcome life challenges. We aim for our work to contribute to a reduction in young adults requiring ongoing support from mental health services and a reduced reliance on support sought through crisis pathways.
In Further Education colleges, we deliver support to some of the more vulnerable students, particularly where they are facing mental wellbeing challenges that put their education at risk. We call this project “Tell me”, and we deliver it most intensively in the summer months, when access to college support services is restricted.
In Wakefield, we have partnered with Conexus Healthcare, the Mental Health Alliance and a handful of local partners to design Future Selph – a service that supports young adults across the district who have a range of challenges relating to mental wellbeing. Young adults refer themselves to the service and are supported twice a week through one-to-one and group sessions that focus on self-awareness, social skills, coping mechanisms and other similar areas. The aim of this work is to establish a growth in resilience among young adults, by improving mental wellness and increasing capacity to overcome life challenges
Future SELPH supports and promotes the well-being of young adults (aged 16-25) by equipping and empowering them to overcome life’s challenges.