A creative mental health support programme is set to benefit hundreds of young people across Merseyside thanks to start-up funding from Liverpool cash plan provider Medicash.
Yellow House is a local registered charity which utilises theatre, film and other techniques to help improve the emotional wellbeing of young people from socially excluded and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organisation is launching a new initiative called ‘ContentMent’ which will deliver a series of practical workshops and other services designed to support youngsters from hard to reach groups with mental health issues. They will be able to access a unique programme of development which will help boost their confidence and give them skills to participate in, and enjoy community life.
The Yellow House are looking for further outreach opportunities in schools, colleges and universities across the UK. Yellow House has extensive experience working in education and are in search for prospective institutions that would like to introduce the ContentMent Programme to support young people’s wellbeing.
Director Jonny Hesketh said: “The funding from Medicash’s charitable trust has given the ContentMent programme a vital kickstart. We know that there is a huge demand for what we are providing. It’s an exciting programme and now we are confident we will be able to make a huge difference to the lives of young people who need our help. We aim to support as many young people as we can across the region and, eventually, nationally. “
The programme will also involve the staging of a special event on 30th March. Headlined ‘International Yellow Day,’ the event takes place on the birthday of the painter Vincent van Gogh who took his own life. The day will raise awareness of the need for mental health provision for young people and the work undertaken by Yellow House.
Marketing Manager of Medicash Andy Abernethy said: “Yellow House provides a friendly, safe and secure environment for young people to access life-changing support and develop essential skills to enable them to overcome issues and thrive with confidence. The team’s innovative and practical approach will no doubt go a long way in transforming the futures of many youngsters and we are delighted to have been able to provide the funding to help get the project off the ground.”
Yellow House has been supporting young people on Merseyside for over 30 years.