Watford FC’s Community Sport and Education Trust is delighted to be able to continue it’s Youth Link project, for those aged 10-18, registered with a doctor within the West Herts area, living with mental health concerns, thanks to support from the Watford Health Trust.
Based in the unique Sensory Room at Vicarage Road Stadium, the project provides a trained member of Trust staff to meet with each participant over a six month period, to discuss and explore tailored support for the individual’s needs. It includes taking the time to discuss a young person’s concerns, explore wellbeing techniques, as well as helping them to create a link action plan. As a result of the project, many young people go on to engage in other activities, including art sessions, local support services and the Trust’s other activities, such as Empower, group mental health sessions, and community football projects.
Since it’s creation, Youth Link has gone from strength to strength. The project is measured using the World Health Organisation Five Well-Being Index and 60% of all participants experience an improvement in their mental wellbeing by their second session. After three sessions this continues, increasing to 72%.
Feedback from parents and participants has been extremely positive:
“You’ve helped her in so many ways. The change in her self-belief, her confidence and the way she now navigates and manages different situations has been so lovely to see. She’s got her spark back, and you gave her the outlet she needed to thrive. I’ll be recommending you to everybody!”
“You seem to be the only person who is able to offer him support, so we are truly grateful.”
A video about Youth Link, and it’s link to Empower, is available on the Trust’s website
WFC Trust l Sarah’s Youth Link & Empower Story
There is also more details on the benefit of the project, from one of it’s beneficiaries
WFC Trust l Lily’s Youth Link Story
Speaking about the funding, the Trust’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, Hannah Marsh, said:
“We are very grateful to the Watford Health Trust for providing this funding to support Youth Link. We know from local feedback that almost 50,000 young people in Hertfordshire have a mental health concern, and that waiting times for local support services continue to rise. Youth Link provides a safe, non-clinical space, where young people can talk about their concerns and begin to take steps to improve their wellbeing, setting them on the path to a more positive future.”
Watford Health Trust’s Paul Woods, added:
“We have recently been supporting West Herts Hospital Charity, and were fascinated to hear about the work they and staff at Watford General were undertaking with the Trust. We are delighted to be able to provide this funding to make a real difference to the mental health of young people in Watford, and the surrounding area.”
Anyone interested in further information about Youth Link, or providing a referral to the project, can find details on the Trust’s website Youth Link – Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust
