NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group has joined Public Health England and City of York Council to award funding to a local mental health charity.

York Mind is an independent charity which provides high quality mental health services in York and surrounding areas. Each year, York Mind support around 4000 individuals through a variety of group based and 1-1 interventions, including counselling, advocacy, young people’s support, employability support, training and an activities programme. 

The charity applied for funding from Public Health England and together with matched funding from the CCG and local authority, a total of £150k over the next three years will be spent on patient services.

The funding received will enable York Mind to expand their young people’s provision to provide group based Arts Award activities to young people aged 9-21, supporting young people to increase confidence and resilience and reduce their isolation.

Denise Nightingale, the CCG’s Executive Director of Transformation, Complex Care and Mental Health said: “Art therapy sessions can be significantly beneficial for some individuals suffering with mental ill health. The funding awarded together with Public Health England will help provide therapeutic environments for young people to resolve ease or express complicated feelings."

Vicky Blakey-Archer, Head of Client Services for York Mind said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding, and to have the work that we are delivering in York recognised by the government. Demand for our young people’s services continues to increase, and thanks to the funding from Public Health England, York CCG and City of York Council we are able to expand our service to provide support to more young people who need it.”  

Councillor Ian Cuthbertson, Executive Member for Children and Young People said: “York Mind offer invaluable help to residents and we are proud to have been able to work with our partners to help fund and support this initiative.

“People of all ages are becoming increasingly aware of and talking about mental health. This important project will focus on building resilience and confidence amongst our young people, adding to the support already available through the school wellbeing service.”

York Mind is located in Highcliffe House and can be contacted by calling 01904 643356 or online at: www.yorkmind.org.uk

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