Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust is marking Children’s Mental Health Week by launching a new animated video showcasing two of their projects supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The video, titled ‘Sarah’s Youth Link and Empower Story’, is fictitious due to the sensitivity and safeguarding involved with these projects, however, the story is based on young people’s real lived experiences and programme feedback.
The narrative of the video follows 11-year-old Sarah, who is facing challenges at home and school. These challenges have left Sarah feeling upset, anxious, and confused about her emotions. Enter Watford FC’s CSE Trust. Through their programmes, Youth Link and Empower, Sarah is able to understand her feelings, speak to qualified staff, and make like-minded friendships, improving her health and wellbeing along the way. Read on to find out more about these initiatives …
Empower
The Empower project is a free six-month initiative designed to enhance the mental health of young people through physical activity. Each 90-minute session includes 60 minutes of sport (like dodgeball, football, basketball, badminton, or dance) and a 30-minute well-being workshop, where participants engage in discussions with coaches and a psychotherapist. The project’s goals are to help participants manage emotions, increase resilience, and build a support network.
The project targets 9–12-year-olds, particularly those with mild to moderate mental health challenges (e.g., low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, or grief). It is divided into three phases:
- Development Phase (12 weeks): Focuses on understanding emotions and coping strategies.
- Maintenance Phase (12 weeks): Participants apply their learning to everyday life with fewer sessions.
- Reflection Phase (6 weeks): Encourages reflection on emotions and coping mechanisms.
Participants receive continued support through weekly sessions, contact points, and home tasks, fostering long-term emotional resilience and healthy coping strategies. Referrals can be made via email.
Empower is funded by Comic Relief and is one of many organisations that has also been supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Webpage: www.watfordfccsetrust.com/empower
Telephone: 07850 503447
Email: empower@watfordfc.com
Youth Link
Youth Link is a free social prescribing service designed to connect children and young people aged 10–18 in the West Herts area (Watford, Three Rivers, Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans) with local services that can support their mental wellbeing. It’s aimed at those with low to moderate mental health concerns and provides early intervention and prevention.
The service works by creating a tailored action plan for each individual, helping them access support such as physical activity, counselling, social activities, or advice. Support is provided over six months through face-to-face meetings.
To access Youth Link, young people, parents, carers, or referring partners (like teachers or health providers) can fill out a form and submit it to the contact provided. GP’s and health practitioners can find more information on DSX. The project also encourages local organizations offering relevant services to partner with them in supporting young people.
For more information or assistance, contact Ines Pereira at the details provided.
Youth Link is supported by funding from Watford Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Grant and delivered in partnership with West Herts Hospitals Charity.
Webpage: www.watfordfccsetrust.com/youth-link
Telephone: 07510 927143
Email: youthlink@watfordfc.com
Of course, the importance of children’s mental health stretches well beyond this week, as it also goes beyond the two projects highlighted. That is why the overwhelming message is ‘if you need support, talk to someone’. Together, we can help our children and young people.
