YOUNGSTERS needing a helping hand to overcome mental health problems are finding ropes, pulleys and teamwork are giving them a vital lift.
By tackling physical challenges, like scaling giant pines at an outdoor adventure centre, they are building the confidence to cope with everyday life’s highs and lows.
The Sharp Minds project – which works with 11 to 18-year-olds across Coventry and Warwickshire – has been awarded £5,000 by the WPH Charitable Trust which supports people with mental health problems in the region.
Sharp Minds started as a small weekly group meeting and has now expanded to group meetings in Stratford, Warwick and Leamington, catering for up to 15 young people in any one session.
David Skoppek, chief officer of Young People First, which runs the Sharp Minds programme, said: “Since the inception of Sharp Minds we have seen our young people grow in confidence, make new friends and learn tools to help them manage their mental health problems.
“As a result, young people have returned to education, secure employment and actually started to enjoy life. This year one of our eldest members started university which was a major triumph for all.”
Visit www.youngpeoplefirst.org.uk/sharp-minds for further details.
