The launch of the new young people's mental health initiative - 'Hi 5'.

What is Hi Five?

Young people’s access to mental health resources is vital, yet can often be limited by multiple factors.

Funded by the NHS, Hi Five will enable 1200 young people in the borough in school years 5, 6, 7 and 8 to receive wellbeing support, mentoring led by positive male and female role models and access to vital support.

Led by Theresa Moses, Head of Paxton Academy ‘High 5’ will be one of the first school and community collaborative mental health projects on this scale in Croydon.

Who is involved?

The project will bring together 5 organisations in the borough – Legacy Youth Zone, Croydon Palace for Life Foundation , Mentivity, Metropolitan Police, and Ashdon Jazz Academy to support over 70 primary and 23 secondary schools. Pulling on the strengths and experiences of all of these organisations in the borough, young people will be a part of a network of organisations providing holistic support.

Already working in schools with young people, Off The Record (counselling and mental health support service) and Croydon Drop In (counselling and young people support service), will identify young people they are working with and make referrals to the Hi 5 team who will then be able to allocate young people to the right partner. The partners will work collaboratively to support all young people.

What role will Legacy play?

Legacy will be granting free annual membership, access to our universal sessions for 6 weeks, providing a safe space for young people as well as a free meal knowing that young people will be supported in a nurturing environment. The membership will also mean that young people can continue to access Legacy outside of the project providing them with more opportunities to have somewhere safe to go, someone experienced to talk to, and something new and exciting to do.

 

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The launch was both magical and emotional. We have created something which could begin to change the narrative in supporting wellbeing and mental health for young people in Croydon. Through collaborative working with organisations that share visions, values and want the best for young people, the Hi Five Programme is going to be a huge success.

Theresa Moses, Head at Paxton Academy

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