Today (Friday 30 January) marks two years since the YMCA Milton Keynes’ Mental Wealth Project launched. The pioneering mental health service for young people at YMCA Milton Keynes was created in partnership with Makewell and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Launched in 2023, this four‑year initiative is now an essential part of YMCA Milton Keynes support pathway and offers many residents specialist support they would otherwise struggle to access. The project:
- breaks down barriers to mental‑health support
- provides timely, personalised, therapeutic care
- helps young people build confidence, resilience and long‑term wellbeing
- ensures every resident has the chance not just to cope, but to flourish.
Impact
Residents who engage with the Mental Wealth Project are already experiencing life‑changing outcomes.
Former resident TJ attended a drop-in session. This was followed by six counselling sessions and a test and diagnosis for ADHD. He then received follow-up support.
He said: “Before I got support from Mental Wealth, I felt quite lost and I always thought there was something that I didn’t understand about myself and it used to really frustrate me.
“After receiving support, I didn’t feel so lost anymore and I understood why I did certain things and that helped me to understand how I can help myself with those things.
“I encourage anyone to attend a drop-in session.”
To date, the project has delivered:
- 505 young people have accessed Mental Wealth Project
- 229 residents - 81% - have positively moved on from YMCA Milton Keynes
- 130 young people have been supported into employment
- Residents report an 81.4% increase in overall wellbeing.
Simon Green, CEO of YMCA Milton Keynes, said: “YMCA Milton Keynes offers more than just a physical home. We focus on emotional wellbeing and ensure that the young people that come to us can access a wide range of mental health support to meet their needs.
“Access to specialist mental health support like our Mental Wealth Project, aims to equip young people with the resilience, tools and support they need to go on to live happy, healthy and independent lives.”
Jane Lambert, CEO of Makewell, said: “Behind every number is a person who’s been heard, supported, and given space to grow. This project is about hope, resilience and connection. We are so excited at Makewell to see what this next year brings in building on what we’ve already done and the difference this service has made.”
To find out more visit Mental Wealth - YMCA Milton Keynes
