Pendle YES Hub has successfully bid for £10k from the National Lottery’s Community Fund to provide mental health and wellbeing support to young people across the borough.
The funding will enable a member of staff from Lancashire Mind to be based in the Hub in Nelson Town Centre for one day a week, providing tailored one to one coaching to young people aged 16 to 24 who are suffering from depression, anxiety and other issues of mental health.
These free coaching sessions take place every Thursday, with young people being referred to attend these following an initial assessment by Pendle YES Hub staff.
Colin Whittaker, Wellbeing Coach at Lancashire Mind, said: “I look at different aspects of their life – things like wellbeing, employment situation, motivation, personal health and self-care – and help them identify what is needed to build up their resilience, so they become a stronger and happier person.”
“People who attend often gain a huge confidence boost through the coaching, which has enabled them to find work or overcome barriers.”
Bethany Wilton, aged 19, has accessed the support. She said: “I decided to attend, mainly for mental health, anxiety and depression. People here treat you like a human being and it has helped massively with my confidence and self-esteem. Colin is down to earth and it is clear he really cares. I know I can come back and talk anytime if I need support in future.”
Pendle YES Hub is a partnership between the charities Active Lancashire and PAC, who deliver the service on behalf of Pendle Council. The Hub also provides tailored employment support and free activity sessions, to help local young people connect socially as well as improve their health and confidence.
On Thursday’s in particular, visitors to the hub can access a wide range of support from different partners including support with housing and employment skills.
To access support from the Hub, young people can visit their reception in Nelson or email [email protected]
