Thrive is a commissioned programme dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people, parents, and carers. Across Lancashire and South Cumbria, Spring North proudly leads the delivery of two main components of Thrive, known publicly as PATH, Children and Young People Peer Support Service, and the Parent Support Service.
In both areas of work, our role is to lead, coordinate, and ensure quality across a network of trusted local delivery partners. This means the people who need support most can access consistent, relevant, and high-quality services, wherever they live. It also means commissioners can be confident that resources are managed effectively, governance is robust, and services are responsive to local needs and priorities.
PATH – Children and Young People Peer Support
PATH is Spring North’s Children and Young People Peer Support Service, delivered as part of the Thrive programme. It helps young people in connecting with trained peers, building resilience, and accessing appropriate support at the right time, with particular focus on those in protected groups who are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and less likely to seek help.
PATH provides a range of ways for young people to engage, ensuring that support is accessible, flexible, and tailored to individual needs. This could include small peer groups, drop-in sessions, workshops, online meet-ups, virtual resources, or one-to-one peer mentoring for those facing more personal challenges. In some areas, young people can also train as Peer Champions, using their own lived experience to support others. Every interaction aims to create a safe, supportive space where young people feel heard, valued, and supported.
As the lead partner for PATH, Spring North guarantees the consistent delivery of a high-quality service across the Thrive footprint. We manage funding and resources, coordinate delivery with a network of trusted local partners, and ensure the service remains responsive to local needs. Our delivery partners possess strong community ties, specialised skills, and the ability to reach young people who might otherwise remain disengaged. By working together, we create a seamless, region-wide offer that feels local, relevant, and effective wherever it is accessed.
Workshops focus on real issues like managing anxiety, building resilience, tackling loneliness, and addressing identity-based discrimination. Whether face-to-face or online, every part of PATH is designed to break down barriers, promote inclusion, and enhance the wellbeing of young people across the region.
Parent Support Service
The Parent Support Service, led by Spring North and delivered within the Thrive programme, assists parents and carers when their children face mental health or emotional challenges. It offers timely, accessible, and meaningful support across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The service offers various ways for parents and carers to get involved, including local support groups, workshops, online sessions, and one-to-one peer support. Whether someone is looking for practical advice, emotional reassurance, or just a chance to connect with others who understand, the Parent Support Service provides a safe, caring space where they feel heard and valued. In some areas, parents can also train to become Parent Champions, using their own experiences to support others in similar situations.
As the lead partner, Spring North guarantees the consistent delivery of a high-quality service throughout the Thrive footprint. We oversee funding and resources, coordinate activities with a network of skilled delivery partners, and ensure the service responds effectively to the needs of local communities. Our delivery partners provide in-depth community knowledge, specialised expertise, and trusted relationships, enabling the service to reach those who might otherwise be unsupported. Together, we offer a cohesive, personalised service that feels relevant and accessible wherever it is accessed.
We recognise that every community is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t be effective. The Parent Support Service collaborates closely with schools, Family Hubs, and local groups to develop support that reflects each area’s priorities and challenges. Workshops address common concerns such as anxiety, low mood, eating difficulties, and family stress, while online resources and sessions offer flexible options for those unable to attend in person. Every aspect of the service aims to strengthen families, promote inclusion, and improve the well-being of children and young people by empowering the adults who care for them.
