For many young people in Cambridgeshire who are struggling with anxiety or depression, their problems are compounded by significant difficulty in accessing help and support. Rural isolation, especially in Fenland, combined with poor access to transport, can make it very challenging to access the range of services available in the cities and larger towns. When young people are also faced with unemployment or disabilities, travelling to services at a distance can be an impossible task.

A Mental Health Outreach Project run by charity Centre 33 has been tackling these issues over the last year, taking services out into communities where they are most needed, via hubs in Ely, Wisbech and Huntingdon. The project has been supported by three years of funding from the Evelyn Trust.

The Mental Health Outreach Project offers a free, flexible, community-based 1:1 service for vulnerable young people. The project works to reduce their isolation and build their support networks. It tries to move them away from harmful behaviour and helps them to develop positive strategies for improved mental wellbeing and resilience. When young people contact Centre 33, their needs are assessed and tailored support is agreed. Some young people choose to access 1:1 counselling sessions. Others may need less intensive support via ‘guided self-help’, or signposting to online support and other relevant agencies that can help.

Helen Baker, Fenland, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough Services Manager with Centre 33, is excited to report that the project has exceeded its targets to date,

“We have been able to help many more young people than forecast: in the first year, 153 young people aged 13 to 25 referred themselves to us, or were helped to refer. Demand has been high as access to services is a real challenge in parts of the county, plus of course there are long-term gaps in provision locally due to the changes in statutory mental health funding. Access to transport is a problem for all, but individuals are also struggling with a range of challenges, such as social anxiety, agoraphobia or religious sanctions, which make it very hard to access support. Some also have caring responsibilities which make it impossible to leave home for hours at a time.”

By the end of 2018, Centre 33 reported that 82 local young people accessed Centre 33’s therapeutic support and moved on from the Outreach Project with reduced distress; increased networks and support; improved communication skills; reduced risk taking behaviour; and improved mental well-being.

“We’re very grateful to the Evelyn Trust for their support. It’s clear from the response across our target areas that this project meets a very real need for local young people struggling to improve their mental health,” adds Helen.

Centre 33 exists to help every young person in Cambridgeshire fulfil their potential, supporting them to overcome a range of challenges. You can find out more about their vital work here: www.centre33.org.uk