Our new film highlights how hospital-based mental health support is transforming outcomes for children in crisis

A teenager who once saw no future for herself is now thriving in college, thanks to our hospital-based mental health support programme.

Her story is the focus of a new short film we’re proud to share during Mental Health Awareness Week. It highlights the difference that timely, compassionate support can make for young people in crisis. At Spring North, we lead this project across Blackburn and Blackpool, working closely with NHS paediatric teams to provide a lifeline when needed.

Poppy (a pseudonym), a teenager admitted to the hospital multiple times with suicidal thoughts, built a trusting relationship with one of our practitioners while on the ward. Over time and with consistent support, she found the courage to open up and begin rebuilding her confidence.

“For once in my life, I felt heard and listened to. You gave me hope.” Poppy.

Poppy’s Story – https://vimeo.com/1059798236

Please take a moment to watch and share the film to help us raise awareness.

Poppy’s story is just one of many. Over 12 months, more than 60% of Admissions to the paediatric ward were associated with overdose, self-harm, or suicide. Thoughts, and many of the young people we support have never accessed mental health care before.

By being physically present on the ward, our practitioners provide more than just clinical support. They become a reliable, trusted point of contact who stays, even in the darkest moments.

“Sometimes a young person just needs someone to sit with them in that moment,” says Jan, one of our practitioners, noted, “Poppy came in with no sense of what she wanted from life. Now she’s looking ahead. And she’s not the only one.”

In the past year, we’ve supported:

298 young people in Blackburn
105 in Blackpool

Some make progress after just one admission. Others need time, space and repeated engagement to build trust. We meet each young person where they are.

We are delivering this service in partnership with NHS teams at Blackburn Royal Hospital and Blackpool Victoria Hospital, supported by experienced delivery partners. The work is funded by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), and we are proud to work together to improve outcomes for children and families.

Martin Hartley-Smith, our CEO, says

“This isn’t about waiting for a referral. It’s about being there, in the moment, when a child or young person needs someone the most. We’re seeing short-term safety, but long-term recovery, and that’s something to be proud of.”