Mind the Future: How SCVO is boosting emotional wellbeing for Sandwell’s young people

As the local infrastructure organisation for Sandwell, Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) plays a vital role in helping communities thrive. One of their most impactful recent initiatives has been the Emotional Wellbeing Programme – a multi-year project designed to support school-aged young people with their mental health and resilience.

‍

The pandemic heightened concerns for young people in Sandwell, a borough with higher than average health inequalities and where many young people were already living in poverty. Recognising the challenges and pressures on youth services, Sandwell Council asked SCVO to bring together local voluntary sector organisations to support young people, and the Sandwell Emotional Wellbeing (EWB) programme was formed.

‍

The projects tackled issues such as low confidence, anxiety, isolation, and the impact of domestic abuse. Children took part in creative therapies, sports, mentoring, and counselling, learning strategies to build resilience, improve relationships, and feel safer at home. For many, the results were life-changing – from improved attendance and behaviour at school, to reduced feelings of anger and isolation, to new friendships and support networks.

‍

Crucially, SCVO’s role went beyond grant-giving. They brought together providers, schools, local authorities, the NHS and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) into a collaborative network, making sure support was targeted where it was needed most and that learning was shared. This approach strengthened local capacity, built new partnerships, and gave providers the evidence and connections they need to keep delivering impact.

‍

84% of young people reported feeling less isolated from friends and family.

‍

77% of young people reported improvement with their feelings of anxiety.

‍

Across four years from April 2021, over 4,500 young people – more than one in every thirteen of Sandwell’s school-aged children - benefitted from support from the 16 charities and not-for-profit organisations that received a total of almost £2million of Covid funding. Now, the programme has run through three phases, delivering seven rounds of funding to local voluntary and community organisations.

‍

74% of young people reported improved confidence and self-esteem.

‍

83% of young people reported that their resilience had improved.

‍

70% of young people supported around their home life said that they felt safer.

‍

NAVCA is proud to celebrate this work, and we also included it as an example of best practice in our guide commissioned by the LGA for councils working with the voluntary sector . It’s a powerful example of how local infrastructure can connect resources, relationships, and expertise to tackle urgent challenges – and why investing in infrastructure is investing in healthier, more resilient communities.

‍

Find out more about Sandwell CVO and the Mind the Future project here.