Introducing the NEW CYP Job Board & Developing The New CYP Mental Health Programme

Anyone who has visited our website recently might have noticed we have added a new page just for youth opportunities. We get sent lots of employment, training, education and volunteering opportunities for young people, and we thought this would be a great way to promote and get them out there. Give the page a look and tell us what you think here.

As you may know, we are currently developing a Mental Health Programme at CYP. Two mentors who have lived experience of poor mental health and poor well-being are providing information to CYP to help with the planning and development of this new programme. The mentors are sharing their experiences around access and the quality of support from professionals and services during their own struggles. The mentors are also considering the environment and décor at CYP, and are planning to create an area that is more calm and relaxing. Project Director, Stephen Griffith described it as “CYP mentors have been providing us with valuable feedback on how the community is coping during this difficult time along with their perspective of the changing needs”. CYP strives to have a youth-led approach, and the mentors’ input will be essential when shaping the new programme. 

We have recently joined up with Crafts Council UK to host some workshops at CYP. Unfortunately, as soon as we were preparing the workshops, Lockdown 3 kicked in! Thankfully, Crafts Council UK has generously provided us with these art packs to give out to young people while they’re stuck at home. The packs include some PVA glue, paint, chalk, brushes, a sketch pad, cards, and some help guides to get them started.

Overall, sessions have been understandably quieter during this lockdown. We’re still doing lots behind the scenes, and have recently started working towards our London Youth Gold award. London Youth Gold is the highest award that London Youth gives out, and we hope to have met all of their criteria by the end of the year.