We are now in the third and final year of the Healing Hearts and Minds programme. Thanks to the funding we’ve received, we’ve had the privilege of working with 30 young women aged 16 to 25. Over the past three years, we’ve been able to offer meaningful one-to-one support, provide opportunities that pushed these young women out of their comfort zones, and create space for them to build confidence, develop new skills, and grow.
As we approach the end of the programme in December, it’s naturally bittersweet. While it’s sad to see Healing Hearts and Minds come to a close, we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved—and excited to reflect on the impact this work will have on future mentoring programmes at NE Youth.
This programme has offered vital support to young women who have struggled with low self-esteem, mental health challenges, and a lack of direction. Through open conversations, practical activities, and the development of coping strategies, Healing Hearts and Minds has empowered participants to better understand themselves and build healthier, more hopeful futures.
Over the past three years, our youth workers have witnessed some truly inspiring transformations. One young woman who initially struggled to leave her home has made remarkable progress—she’s now employed, actively volunteers, shops independently, and regularly meets up with friends. Her journey from isolation to independence has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Another young woman joined the programme facing significant mental health challenges that affected her daily life. She found it difficult to engage with teachers and peers at college and lacked motivation. Today, she has built meaningful relationships with fellow students, successfully passed exams she had previously failed, and most importantly, her self-esteem and confidence in her own abilities have flourished.
Looking ahead, we are committed to building on the success of this programme. The lessons we’ve learned, the stories we’ve heard, and the outcomes we’ve witnessed will directly inform future mentoring and wellbeing initiatives at NE Youth. Our goal is to secure further funding to continue this essential work and reach even more young women in need of support.
Read these words from Young People involved in the programme:
‘I think my 1-1 sessions with Holly have gone very well. I have learned more about the area I live in and have grown more confident in going out by myself and with others around town. I have enjoyed going to places like Canny Crafty as a way of finding time to just sit and paint pottery with someone while catching up with how the week has been and going to places like the Metrocentre and local coffee shops.’
‘I think I’ve had more come from this than the other proper therapies’
‘Thank you for all the help you have given me you’ve got no idea how much this has changed me as a person and how effective this time around had been after having so many different therapies in my life. You have helped me the most to be the best me I can be’
