A fantastic local charity that equips young people to face life challenges has been named as Community Action Network (CAN)’s Community Hero in the Spotlight for December.

Helping Young Minds (HYM) supports every young mind to have the skills and confidence to face life’s challenges. The charity offers positive activities, creative workshops, and educational courses with the aim of developing young people’s confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing so they can enjoy life to the fullest.

Activities range from dance, graffiti art and cooking to team-building workshops, outward-bound activities, or a movie night.

Zoe Grieco is a volunteer for HYM and mother of three, she says: “My children’s mental health is of utmost importance to me. Helping Young Minds strives to create ways to involve young people and enrich their lives and in turn, help their young minds to stay strong and able to face whatever life may bring.”

HYM are a new organisation and are constantly updating and reviewing the services they can provide you young people and their parents according to community need.

For the future, HYM hopes to offer more group therapy sessions and support groups, as well as offer creative and fun opportunities to young people where they can build healthy and supportive relationships while also having fun and learning a skill.

Another testimonial for HYM comes from Anna Payne, a parent of a beneficiary. She says: “At a very difficult time in my daughter’s life, Helping Young Minds has been invaluable. A truly special place for her to go to, where she can completely trust to feel non-judged and unconditionally supported by all those around her, giving her the opportunity to build confidence and vital self-worth.”

Listen here Julie Laming, trustee of HYM joined our Partnerships Manager, Emma Lee, on Hope FM with Ian and Dan sharing more about the organisation, how they came about in a middle of a pandemic and their plans for the future.

• For more information, please visit HYM Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Helping-Young-Minds