Boost for local mental health and wellbeing services

Three new mental health projects centred around people aged 12-35 have launched in Blackburn with Darwen to promote better mental health within the local community.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is overseeing the projects which are being delivered by key national and regional mental health charities.

Funding has been provided by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (formerly Public Health England) via a better mental health grant.

The three projects aim to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health, improve awareness to enable earlier signposting to mental health and wellbeing services and empower individuals to take steps to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.

Papyrus, a national charity for the prevention of young suicide, will lead a project to provide mental health training for parents, staff and pupils in Secondary Schools. To ensure that participants know where to go to get help and support if they are worried about someone. Schools across Blackburn with Darwen have already been contacted to start this project.

The second project is being delivered by Re-Align Futures CIC and will train young people to become Wellbeing Champions within community settings. These Wellbeing Champions will support other children and young people through listening, promoting wellbeing and resilience and signposting to further support.

The third project, called ‘Healthy Mind, Safe Home’ is being delivered in partnership between Shelter and Lancashire Mind. This project will provide young adults aged 16–35, one to one advice on debt, welfare, housing support as well as wellbeing coaching. This project will be accessible via the Shelter Drop-In Centre at Blackburn Central Library or you can email: healthymindsafehome@shelter.org.uk.

Councillor Brian Taylor, Assistant Executive Member for Public Health & Wellbeing and Mental Health Champion, said:

Blackburn with Darwen’s extended period of lockdowns and restrictions have impacted many people’s overall wellbeing and mental health.

These three new projects are part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s commitment to support better mental health in the borough and build resilient communities.