The current picture

Mental health issues in young people have increased dramatically since the onset of Covid-19.  One in six young people aged 5-16 identified as having a mental health problem in July 2020 and 80% of those with mental health needs agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has made it worse.  Around 75% of young people who seek mental health treatment become more unwell whilst waiting for help and those with emerging mental health problems who do not meet the threshold for clinical services, are often left with no help at all.  After years of government cuts, there’s a black hole in youth and community services that could provide essential early support.  In practice, this means that many of the spaces where young people could previously have talked with a trusted adult and discuss coping strategies, now no longer exist.  Ynot Aspire has effective solutions to help those most in need.  Our external evaluations show that we have a proven track record in helping young people to reach their potential by taking an asset-based approach to our work and giving them the space, skills, tools, time and knowledge to build their confidence and their resilience. We provide prevention and early intervention projects with young people aged 10-18, offering one-to-one and group work activities to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.  Over 95% of young people we work with report having improved self-confidence, a greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing, where to go for support and better coping strategies as a result of working with us.