Join our mailing list to get regular email updates and info on what we're up to!
If you are under 18, please make sure you have your parents’ permission before providing us with any personal details.
Supporting charities who specialise in improving the wellbeing of neurodivergent young people.
We know that adolescence can be a difficult time for any young person, but can be particularly challenging for those who are neurodivergent. That’s why this year Brook is focusing on mental health and neurodivergence.
In line with this focus, through our 2022/23 small grants programme we committed £50,000 to provide grants to local and community-based projects that improve the wellbeing of neurodivergent young people. Following an extensive evaluation process, we’ve provided grants to six fantastic small and medium sized registered charities who specialise in working with neurodivergent young people in England. Grants will be used to fund programmes that improve the wellbeing of those young people aged 13 to 25 years.
“NE Youth were delighted to be awarded funding through Brook’s Small Grants Programme. This funding will add additionality and much value to our work with marginalised young women who are neurodiverse and have a mental health condition, ultimately improving these young women’s overall wellbeing. We were also delighted to secure an increased award from our application, which will enable us to offer neurodiversity training for other youth organisations across the North East of England.” Emma Rundle, Business Development Manager at NE Youth
“Thank you to the Brook Small Grant Programme. Your funding helps Parenting Special Children via our Auticulate group, to support neurodiverse children and young people navigate the complexities of the wider world. We provide a safe space for our children and young people to be themselves, make friends, grow in confidence, self esteem and improve mental wellbeing.” Tess, Neurodivergent CYP Lead for Parenting Special Children
“The grant from Brook is supporting our ‘Changemakers’ programme which empowers young people with additional needs to influence change on the issues they face and helps them learn new skills, develop friendships and improve wellbeing along the way.” Luke Wilson, GMYN SEND Lead
“The Brook grant will allow the Family Counselling Trust Dorset to support neurodiverse young people and their families on low incomes in a more dedicated way as well as increase awareness of the many challenges these young people and their families face. Prompt psychological support at the right time can make all the difference to improve their wellbeing and prospects and we are very grateful to Brook for funding this work.”
“Counselling Plus is delighted to receive a grant from Brook. Having been established for over 30 years, and supporting clients with a wide range of emotional and mental health issues, we have seen, over recent years, an increase to the number of neurodivergent clients. The funds provided by Brook will allow us to see these clients quickly as they will not be on the main waiting list and hope this will help to minimise further anxiety. Additionally, funds will be available to provide further training to our group of professional and effective counsellors.”
Starling supports neurodivergent young people aged 13-25 to improve mental health, reduce social isolation and develop positive relationships through a range of creative wellbeing projects. Funding from Brook will go into their Creative Minds project – a weekly creative wellbeing project working with neurodivergent young people from across Tameside to develop positive mental health, reduce social isolation and increase support networks.
In December 2021, Brook launched its first small grants programme with a focus on supporting local and community-based charities delivering projects to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. We committed £50,000 to provide grants of between £2,500 and £10,000 each to small and medium sized registered charities delivering programmes and interventions to young people in England and/or Wales. Following an extensive evaluation process, we provided grants to six fantastic organisations; read more about them below.
These six organisations and projects will work directly with more than 300 marginalised young people under 25 including those from lower income households, those with care experience and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Stockton-on-Tees
In partnership with local charities, the Corner House Youth Project runs the Arlo Allotment Project provides a thriving allotment space for young people with the aim of improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Greater Manchester
GMYN provides Wellbeing Sessions for young people with experience of the care system. It focuses on building life skills and drop-in activities to allow young people to socialise in a safe setting.
Sunderland
Key Changes provides a 5-week programme called Studio Discovery which supports young musicians and young people that love music (including those from lower-income and/or ethnic minority backgrounds) with their mental health.
Parker Trust delivers a Health and Wellbeing project to support young people to manage their emotions post COVID-19 through counselling and therapeutic sessions.
Newcastle
Streetwise provide the Sound Identity Project which supports ethnically minoritised young men to explore emotional wellbeing, cultural identity, positive role modelling and informed lifestyle choices.
London
The Wish Centre delivers a Self-Harm Prevention and Recovery project for young people. It consists of weekly therapy sessions, face to face and digitally in schools with partner hubs, and after school and out of hours.