We are celebrating after receiving a “Reaching Communities” grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to expand our youth trauma resolution work across Essex.

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, which awards money raised by National Lottery players, over the next three years we will be able support thousands of individuals, train more mentors and reach more mentees.

One area the funding will assist is our Talk Together project which supports the mental health needs of children, young people and families, from early intervention right through to more complex cases. We have seen a significant rise in demand for this service with our referrals currently at 40 per week compared to an average of 19 per week in 2019 and the nature of referrals becoming more complex, including suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviours, disordered eating and severe anxiety.

Over the coming three years, the funding will also enable us to train more mentors and reach more mentees. A mentor offers a young person a safe place to discuss any issues and supports them to access new experiences, explore interests and develop new life skills.

Finally, the money will also fund a number of upcoming Level 1 Trauma Informed Practice Trainings, making them free of charge to the public, the next will take place on Tuesday 7 September. The training will help attendees to reduce trauma symptoms in young people, improving their capacity for learning, joy, resilience, self-regulation, and social relationships. If you support a young person in any capacity, as a parent, a teacher, a social worker or a community leader, this training is for you.

Sign up for your free ticket here

Paula, Head of Fundraising and Communications said:

“We could not be more pleased with the grant we have received from the National Lottery Community Fund. The impact this money will have cannot be overstated as our services are needed now more than ever. We would like to thank everyone who played a part in securing this support for our young service users.”

Funding will span three years and is granted following detailed regular evaluations of work.

Commissioning Trusts and Funds

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