Maidstone-Based Mental Health Charity Maidstone & Mid-Kent Mind Nominated for Award around work with young people

Maidstone-based mental health charity Maidstone & Mid-Kent Mind (MMKM) have been shortlisted for a Colyer-Fergusson Charity Trust Award. This award comes as MMKM complete a multi-year programme designed to support young people, which was funded through a Colyer-Fergusson Grant.

According to a survey conducted by Mental Health organisation Time to Change, 25% of all young people that develop mental health disorders will find themselves classified as NEETS (not in employment, education or receiving training which will lead to employment.)

With the issue amongst young people apparent, MMKM wanted to develop a programme which would enable young people to take control of their lives and progress into employment. Julie Blackmore, MMKM CEO, said the following:

“Colyer-Fergusson’s funding has been integral in allowing us to grow a robust youth service which supports young people within the local area. Under the ‘Young Minds’ programme, several of our current youth services were born, and these are services which continue to have a lasting effect within our local communities.”

“The programme has emphasised how many young people are truly in need of support. This is something which we hope to be able to continue to provide in the future.”

The programme was delivered in several schools across Maidstone, Swale, Ashford and Medway.

One student stated the following:

“James helped me understand it is ok for me to get angry, but I need to stop becoming aggressive and get help from staff. I felt he listened to me and helped rather than just telling me what I had to do.”

Another student, from a school in Swale, stated that:

 “It was nice to get some help for my anxiety as I am too old for CAMHS to help and yet don’t qualify for the adult services yet.”​

By October of 2018, the ‘Young Minds’ programme had seen over 170 young people in the Maidstone and Mid-Kent area. Many young people seen as part of the programme exhibited large improvements in both their mental health and wellbeing.

The Colyer-Fergusson awards ceremony will be hosted in London in November, with MMKM finding out if the programme has won an award.

For additional questions or comments, please contact Tom Fishenden on 01622 692383.