CITC’s mental health programme is split into two areas, City Thrive and Primary Care Networks (PCN).
The PCN mentoring programme, in partnership with the NHS, CAMHS RMCH, is for young people aged between eight to 18 that present with mild to moderate mental health needs.
One participant from the PCN sessions said: “The sessions have been really good and made me more active. It has helped me be more confident and start to think about the future more in a good way. Also to think about good times.”
The mentoring offer involves eight to ten weeks of 1-2-1 mentoring, providing support and guidance to achieve a positive mental health outcome for each young person.
One participant parent said: “My child’s mentor was absolutely amazing. She was very professional and engaged with my child, building a great relationship which for me as a parent was lovely to see as my child suffers with anxiety and struggles to bond with adults.
“But they thoroughly enjoyed every session and always looked forward to their next sessions.”
CAMHS Clinician Jane Davies said: “The partnership working between City in the Community, RMCH CAMHS and the South Manchester Primary Care GP Federation has continued to strengthen, expanding to include the development of pathways with education, social care and School Health.
“We are incredibly proud of this unique and inspirational pilot that is positively impacting the lives of so many young people and families in South Manchester.
“We look forward to further opportunities to engage partners and invest in real life, sustainable changes for the young people we work with.”
The Club’s charity has been delivering City Thrive, which is now in partnership with the NHS, since 2020 as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The programme aims to harness the power of football to normalise stigmatised conversations around mental health subjects through a mixture of educational workshops and one-to-one mentoring.
CITC’s City Thrive programme aims to promote positive mental health for young people aged 7-18.
A dedicated team has developed a mental health curriculum, combining specially adapted football sessions with one-to-one mentoring and group workshops on mental health awareness to improve mental wellbeing.
Community Mentoring Manager, Jason El-Kaleh, said: “Children’s Mental Health Week is a fantastic way for us to put a spotlight on the wellbeing of young people across Greater Manchester.
“Although promoting positive mental health is crucial year-round, weeks like this give us the opportunity to further emphasise the importance of staying on top of our own wellbeing.”
If you have been impacted by any of the content in this post and wish to reach out, please contact your GP for further support or email citc@cityfootball.com and our team will help point you in the right direction.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
