Isle of Wight Youth Trust has launched a five-year strategy setting out how it plans to improve the mental health, wellbeing and life chances of young Islanders.
Called Healthy Minds, Thriving Futures, the strategy runs to 2031 and rests on four programmes covering prevention, treatment, the move into adulthood, and advocacy.
Jo Dare, chief executive of the Youth Trust, said,
“I am delighted to share the launch of the Youth Trust’s new five-year strategy, Healthy Minds, Thriving Futures.”
Shaped by young people
The charity says young people, families, partners and stakeholders all fed into the document during its development.
Jo said the strategy “provides a clear framework for how we will work together to address the challenges facing children and young people today”.
Four programmes
The first, Early Help, focuses on the causes of poor mental health rather than its symptoms.
Jo said,
“By intervening earlier and strengthening support around children and families, we aim to prevent challenges from escalating and help young people build resilience from an early age.”
The second, Getting More Support, deals with young people whose needs go beyond early intervention.
Jo said the Trust is “committed to ensuring that young people who need more intensive support can access the right help, at the right time, in ways that best meet their needs”.
Transitions and voice
Moving to Independence takes a “one-stop-shop” approach, bundling practical and holistic support around young people as they approach adulthood.
Jo said,
“By supporting young people through key life transitions, we will help them develop the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to move successfully into adulthood.”
The fourth programme, Hear Me, commits the charity to advocating alongside and for young Islanders.
Jo said,
“Young people’s voices will continue to be at the heart of everything we do, influencing the design, delivery, and evaluation of services and shaping the future of our Island.”
Working with partners
The Trust points to collaboration across sectors as the thing that will make or break the strategy.
Jo Dare said,
“We greatly value the role that our local stakeholders and partners play in supporting our Island children, young people, and families, and we look forward to working alongside you to deliver the ambitions set out in this strategy.”
She added,
“Together, we can create a future where every young person on the Island, has the opportunity to enjoy good mental health, be heard, and thrive.”
