The mental health of young people in the UK is at a tipping point. Rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among children and adolescents have created a national crisis. According to recent figures, one in six children aged 5 to 16 is likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition, and nearly one-third of those needing care face significant delays in accessing it. In cities like Liverpool, where socioeconomic challenges further strain mental health, the need for immediate, innovative interventions is critical. Youth mentoring, offered by organisations such as Youth Empowering Services CIC, provides a timely, effective response to these challenges.
The Scale of the Problem
National data highlights the immense pressure on mental health services:
- Almost one million children and young people had active referrals for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services in England in 2022-23.
- Over 270,000 young people waited for mental health support in 2022–23, with 40,000 waiting more than two years.
- In Liverpool, a 2024 review of mental health services for 16- to 25-year-olds identified systemic barriers, including a lack of youth-friendly service culture, limited awareness of resources, and high thresholds for care.
These delays and barriers leave young people without support during critical periods, increasing risks of crises such as self-harm, disengagement from education, or involvement in antisocial behaviour.
How Youth Mentoring Can Help
Youth mentoring is a proactive and accessible solution to the mental health crisis. By providing consistent, one-on-one support, mentoring programs can help young people manage their challenges before they escalate into more severe issues.
Key Benefits of Youth Mentoring
- Early Intervention: Mentors offer timely emotional support, helping young people cope with emerging mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem.
- Building Resilience: Through mentorship, young people develop coping strategies, confidence, and life skills that protect against future mental health challenges.
- Reducing Isolation: Mentoring fosters a sense of connection and belonging, addressing the loneliness often felt by young people with mental health difficulties.
- Pathways to Support: Mentors can guide young people toward additional resources, acting as a bridge between individuals and professional services when needed.
The Impact of Youth Empowering Services CIC
At Youth Empowering Services CIC, we specialise in providing trauma- and ACE-informed mentoring tailored to young people’s needs. Our programs emphasise:
- Relationship Building: We create safe spaces where young people feel heard and valued, encouraging them to share openly.
- Skill Development: Our mentoring sessions include tools for managing challenging behaviours, improving self-awareness, and enhancing social skills.
- Quick Response: Unlike traditional services, which often require lengthy referrals, we can engage with young people quickly, minimizing the window of unmet need.
One recent success involved supporting an 11-year-old NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) child who struggled with antisocial behaviour. Through consistent mentoring and group support, the young person transitioned back to education with improved behaviour and reduced incidents of conflict.
A Call to Action
The mental health crisis among young people in the UK requires urgent, multifaceted solutions. While systemic improvements are essential, grassroots interventions like youth mentoring provide an immediate, life-changing impact. Youth Empowering Services CIC is proud to be part of this movement, offering young people the support they need to navigate challenges and build brighter futures.
To learn more about our mentoring programs or to get involved, contact Youth Empowering Services CIC today. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people across Liverpool and beyond.
For further reading on youth mental health statistics, visit Young Minds or Liverpool CAMHS.
