In April 2022 we launched Power2 Thrive – a new programme that engages young people in open discussion around the issues of mental health, vulnerability and emotional challenges. 

Young people’s mental health is a national crisis. The need for support is greater than ever with 1 in 6 young people now experiencing a probable mental health disorder. This is up from 1 in 9 in 2017 (NHS Digital, 2021). 

That’s why we’re proud to be delivering an intervention that helps young people to build a toolkit with which they can manage their mental health and wellbeing and maintain healthy support networks. 

The programme was born out of intensive co-creation with young people, and earlier this month we blogged about the process. Their conversations and ideas gave shape to a version of our flagship early intervention Teens and Toddlers with a specific focus on supporting young people’s mental health needs alongside having the life-changing experience of mentoring a younger child in a nursery setting.   

Power2 Thrive takes place over 16 weeks. Each weekly session in the nursery, where young people act as a role model to a toddler, is followed by a classroom session with an experienced Power2 Programme Lead. Here the young people come together to reflect on their interactions in the nursery, and to learn about mental health and wellbeing. The Power2 Thrive curriculum and workbook, which were created alongside young people with experience of poor mental health, underpin these sessions. Topics include: 

• spotting signs and triggers of poor mental health 
• effective coping strategies 
• having a conversation about mental health 
• building support networks 
• accessing support available 

We’re delivering this much-needed support to young people across the North West and London including at Chorlton High School, Manchester Communication Academy, Denton Community College, and The Urswick School. 

A Power2 Programme Lead, Kaine Clark, has been delivering the programme in Manchester: 

‘Thrive has been well received by the high school, early years setting, and the young people referred to the intervention.  

As well as taking part in group sessions that give them the tools to manage their own mental wellbeing, the young people have settled into their roles as mentors. Their professionalism has already blown away the early years teachers and we are only on week 2!'

Power2 Thrive was made possible through the support of the KKR Covid Response Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Manchester Health & Care Commissioning and Young Manchester’s MHCC Thrive Grants Programme.  

Together we are supporting young people identified as most impacted by the pandemic and helping them manage their mental wellbeing before more serious illness occurs. 

If you think young people at your school could benefit from Power2 Thrive, please contact our Director of Services Sam Marcus by emailing [email protected].