#Chances4Children: Lottery funding boosts young people’s mental health support

The fund’s HeadStart programme, aims to explore and test new ways to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 10 to 16 and prevent serious mental health issues from developing. 

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The five-year scheme, which was set up in 2016, has since worked with 430 schools and engaged with 131,000 young people across the six locations in Blackpool, Hull, Wolverhampton, Kent, Newham and Cornwall.

The six local authority led HeadStart partnerships have received a share of £8.7m and will continue to deliver their existing work with a revised focus on supporting marginalised young people to access support amid increased demand for services.

The programme was due to end in 2021 but has received extra funding aimed at alleviating difficulties experienced by communities as a result of Covid-19.

Emma Ackerman, deputy director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “This extra money comes at a critical time, as we’re aware that there will be people living with the after effects of the COVID crisis. The funding recognises and supports the long-term nature of HeadStart, ensuring that National Lottery money will support the younger generation with their mental health.”

• Find out more about CYP Now’s #Chances4Children campaign