The Always There for Us project is a pilot programme that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young men in the Bruce Grove area of Haringey, London. The project is run by Project Future, a charity that provides psychological support to young people in the UK. The pilot programme involves embedding psychologists within a youth club to provide counselling and support to young men affected by offending. The psychologists work with young men at Bruce Grove youth club in Haringey, supporting them with their mental wellbeing and providing training, advice and support to the youth workers there.
The pilot programme reported a number of benefits. By deploying mental health workers in a youth club they were able to reach young people who would not normally trust mental health services. Through using game-based activities to engage and educate young men about their wellbeing, the pilot led to a new openness about mental health. The project uniquely combined the complementary skills of psychologists and youth workers, and reduced the stigma associated with mental health. The project contributed to an increased understanding about mental health and wellbeing amongst the young men and led to them having more confidence around discussing their emotions and seeking help. They project also provided a safe space to discuss anxieties and concerns about gangs, racism and school pressures. There is a recommendation around other mental health services providing similar access to psychological support via youth clubs.
https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/publications/always-there-us