When we first met Jay, he was 18 and staying in a hostel after a difficult few years. His childhood was unstable, and by his teens he was struggling with anxiety and substance misuse. He was cautious of professionals and unsure who to trust. At first, Jay kept his distance. He said he didn’t see the point in discussing mental health because “it never changed anything.” But with consistent, person-centred support, things started to improve. His practitioner met him for a drink, talked about music, and began building a genuine connection. They worked together on small, achievable steps like maintaining a routine, eating regularly, and imagining what a good day might look like. Gradually, Jay began to believe change was possible. He opened up more and now meets regularly with staff who help him stay focused and supported. His practitioner says, “He’s still independent, but now he knows support doesn’t mean someone taking over. It means having someone in his corner.”

Jay’s story is not unusual. Life can be tough for many young adults as they navigate their path to independence. Mental health issues can affect anyone, in any community, and Blackpool is no different. National data shows that about one in four 17 to 19-year-olds, roughly 25%, live with a mental health disorder, and local insights suggest this figure may be even higher here. In Blackpool, one of the most deprived areas in the country, the number of families needing social care support due to mental health, alcohol, or drug problems has increased by 135% since 2019. Walk along any high street or sit in any café here, and you’ll meet someone affected. Behind every statistic are real people trying to find their way forward.

The project aimed to strengthen early, community-based support so that people like Jay could access help before reaching a crisis point. It united the efforts of the NHS with the energy and compassion of the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors. For Jay, that meant more than just a plan or programme; it meant consistency, patience, and someone who genuinely listened. Small steps led to meaningful change, and that is true transformation.

Led by our team at Spring North in partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, the transformation funding was directly invested into communities where it could make the greatest impact. It helped to build a foundation for future mental health support rooted in trust, understanding, and hope. We are proud to continue our relationship with the ICB, working together to create communities where every person has the chance to feel supported, understood, and hopeful.