Warrington Youth Zone receives funding for mental health hub

It will provide greater mental health support for children and young people.

A total of 24 early support hubs across the country will receive a share of almost £8 million for 2024-25 to support thousands of children and young people to receive earlier, open-access mental health interventions in their local community.

The drop-in hubs, which were successfully trialled in October 2023, provide a space for anyone aged 11-25 to go when problems first emerge, helping to prevent more severe or enduring mental health conditions from developing.

Support offered include psychological therapies, specialist advice and wider issues which may affect a young person’s mental health, including sexual health, exam worries, jobs, drugs, alcohol and financial worries.

Around 70 early support hubs currently exist across the country, which are run by a range of local services including volunteer organisations, NHS Trusts and local authorities.

Welcoming the announcement, Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “I’m really pleased that the Warrington Youth Zone will be housing a new mental health hub.

“It’s a fantastic place full of dedicated staff and volunteers who go out of their way for the children and young people who use it, and I couldn’t think of a more supporting and friendly environment for them to be able to come and talk about their mental health when they need a bit of help.

“As parents we know that our children face huge pressures whether that’s from social media down to exams in school, and whilst I would always want my child to talk to me if he’s ever struggling with stress or anxiety, a lot of young people appreciate having an external support network to turn to if they need it.

“As awareness of mental health continues to grow, it’s only right that the Government are delivering this essential investment in mental health services to offer everyone the support they need to live a happy and healthy life.”