Breckland launches new mental health support programme

Breckland Council and Breckland's youth advisory board have commissioned Norfolk-based wellness and therapy service Cup-O-T to continue delivering a £5,000 programme called Breckland Build Together Families over the next 12 months.

The programme involves free workshops in Dereham, Swaffham, and surrounding towns. 

Councillor Tristan Ashby, Breckland's executive member for health and communities, said he was "deeply moved and impressed" by the success of pilot sessions from the scheme. 

Mr Ashby saidThe interactive workshops designed to support young people and their families will provide essential tools that they need to support each other and support their mental health recovery.”

READ MORE: Cup-O-T therapy service's National Lottery boost

The youth advisory board has found poor mental health is one of the main concerns for young people in Breckland.

in research, young people said there was little support available and long waiting lists. 

In a recent survey, 40pc of young people who said they had poor mental health told us they had waited more than a month for support - with a further 37pc waiting up to a year.

Catherine Gray, specialist occupational therapist and CEO of Cup-O-T (Image: Campfire Community)

Catherine Gray, Cup-O-T's chief executive and a specialist occupational therapist, said: “We’re so pleased to be back supporting young people and families in and around Breckland, who need more support around mental health. 

“During our initial programme, we made a significant impact in the everyday lives of young people and their families.

"We hope in the next 12 months to double that impact, reaching more young people, and supporting more families with mental health concerns.”

Tristan Ashby, executive member for health and communities at Breckland (Image: Archant)

People can attend workshops in person or online, visit www.cup-o-t.co.uk or email info@Cup-O-T.co.uk for more.