A charity which helps young people aged 11 to 25 in West Norfolk has won a top national health award.
The Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) was named one of the ten best charities of its size in the UK for helping improve young people’s health and wellbeing.
It will receive £40,000 to support it sowk as well as expert support and leadership development from the leading health and social care charity The King’s Fund.
MAP offers a wide range of help including a one stop shop where young people can get help and advice on a range of issues without needing an appointment
It also continued to support 4000 young people across the county last year despite the challenges of Covid-19 in a number of ways including support for those at risk of being homeless or not having a roof over their head, specialised services for those who may be transgender or young parents, and support with transport.
Lisa Weaks, Assistant Director, Leadership and Organisational Development, at The King’s Fund, said: ‘The statistics on the number of school-age children experiencing mental health problems are staggering and early intervention is vital. Mancroft Advice Project does outstanding work across Norfolk to get under the skin of the issues contributing to poor mental health in 11–25 year olds, and to support young people to have a voice in the design of local NHS mental health services.
“It aims for its services to be led by young people – an example of true co-production. We were inspired by the trusting relationship the charity has built with local young people and by its strong partnership working with the NHS.’
Dan Mobbs, Chief Executive of Mancroft Advice Project, said: ‘We are very proud and honoured to win this award for so many reasons. It recognises the talent and hard work of our staff. It gives us the opportunity to both share our knowledge and learn from other organisations by working with The King’s Fund and other winners. Most importantly of all, it helps us highlight the pressing need for support for young people’s mental health and how we must involve young people more in developing and shaping services.’