Offering flexible, ongoing access to mental health support for young people

Settle is an award-winning charity that supports care-experienced young people as they move into their first home so they can confidently transition into independent living and thrive. For many young people, accessing mental health support comes with long waiting lists and struggling to access the right kind of help.

Thanks to the Cherry Family Foundation’s grant, Settle has pioneered a Mental Health Project that offers flexible, personalised care, and targeted support for those who need it most. Over the course of this grant, Settle’s Mental Health Project enabled 18 young people to access 101 hours of therapeutic support.

The Flexibility Factor

One of the key parts of this project is the flexibility and adaptability. Young people are able to choose their own therapist, with the assistance of their Settle Coach.

For instance, one young person: “Not only was I able to access therapy, but I was able to have my old therapist. This was a major highlight for me; as someone who is a care leaver, this meant I had someone who knew my story already.” Through the Mental Health Project, young people can have a crucial continuity of care.

Alongside this, Settle have continued to listen to the needs of each young person, with the flexibility around the type of therapy, whether additional sessions are needed, or even accessing a more specialised therapist. This means young people are engaged with the project and consistently attend sessions, which highlights the importance of agency in the mental health journey.

The Ripple Effect of Support

Settle have identified a positive impact on young people taking part in the Mental Health Project, through a shift in self-perception and wellbeing levels.

In the pre-therapy survey, 58% of young people selected the options of “rarely” or “never” when responding to the statement: “I’ve been feeling good about myself”; by contrast, in the post-therapy survey, 100% of young people responded to this statement with the options “often” or “always”.

This change is not just felt by the young people; therapists and partners associated with the project have voiced their admiration for its effectiveness and its potential for long-term benefits.

We’ve also received positive feedback from therapists working with our young people, with one therapist saying: “It was great to be part of this pilot project. It is a meaningful cause, especially knowing how difficult it may be to fund one’s own therapy due to costs. I wish that longer term funding can be obtained and different young people could benefit from this service as well.”

A Story of Resilience: A Young Person’s Journey

The Mental Health Project’s success is best illustrated through the experience of young people who accessed therapy through it.

For instance, one young person told us: “[My] mental health is a lot better and stronger since starting therapy.”

She shared the following on how the Mental Health Project compares to other mental health support:

“I appreciated these [sessions] a lot more. It may be because of age, time or the type of person I am. It was very consistent. I had a set date and time and my therapist was great. I really liked her and that was a plus.”

Looking Ahead: The Path Forward

The Cherry Family Foundation are delighted to have supported Settle’s Mental Health Project stands as a beacon of hope and a model for future mental health initiatives. Its flexible, person-centred approach has proven effective in not only meeting but exceeding the needs of young people facing mental health challenges. As the project continues to evolve, its foundation of adaptability, personalised care, and a deep understanding of the challenges young people face will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact.

In a world where mental health support is more crucial than ever, the successes and learnings from this project offer valuable insights for all those committed to making a difference. The journey of the Cherry Family Foundation and Settle in supporting young people’s mental health is a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change when flexibility, understanding, and care come together.

Find out more about Settle. Visit them on Social Media / Facebook / Instagram / X / LinkedIn. Registered Charity – 1162399