We are thrilled to share that our Boost Project has been featured in a landmark report by the prominent mental health organisation, Rethink Mental Illness. The report, titled Towards a Cohesive Whole, emphasises the critical role of the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in bridging service gaps and providing early, holistic support for mental health needs. However, it also calls for stronger and more effective collaboration between the NHS and the VCSE sector.

Our Boost Project is proudly showcased as one of seven successful examples of partnerships between the NHS and the voluntary sector, highlighting how collaboration can enhance the delivery of care.

Key Findings

The report underscores the urgent need for a cohesive, whole-system approach to address the mental health needs of children and young people (CYP). Among its key findings are:

• One in five young people in England lives with a mental illness or disorder, yet nearly half lack access to the support they need.
• A comprehensive strategy is essential to close this treatment gap, prevent escalating mental health challenges, and ensure young people receive timely and effective care.
• The VCSE sector plays a vital role in delivering early intervention and holistic support, but it must be recognised as an equal partner to statutory services for its contributions to be fully realised.
• Dedicated funding is required to enable all components of the mental health system to work seamlessly together to support young people.

The report advocates for a transformative, long-term plan for CYP mental health, centred on integrating services across sectors and encouraging robust collaboration between the NHS and the VCSE sector. With the upcoming Ten Year Health Plan, there is a pivotal opportunity to establish a visionary framework for CYP mental health that prioritises a cohesive, whole-system approach.

This recognition of the Boost Project reinforces our commitment to creating impactful partnerships and delivering meaningful support to young people in need. We would like to thank our colleagues at UK Youth for supporting us in making the project happen and our colleagues at CAMHS for working with the collaborative ethos advocated by this report.

To read the report, please visit the Rethink Mental Illness website here.