RISE – Wiltshire Youth

RISE – Wiltshire Youth is a grassroots project designed to embed mental health literacy and support into the ecosystems that surround young people, from schools and community groups to families, educators, and peer networks.

Group of young people talking in community space

Want to find out more or discuss workshops or training for your Wiltshire based organisation?

Email us

About the project

Led by Mental Health UK, in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness and Wiltshire Service Users Network (WSUN), the project is funded until November 2026 by the ICB Health Inequalities Fund.

RISE will deliver evidence-based, inclusive, and empowering programmes designed to strengthen young people’s resilience and improve their wellbeing in underserved communities across Wiltshire. These programmes have been co-designed with young people and supportive adults to ensure they reflect lived experience, cultural relevance, and real-world challenges.

Wilsthire Service Users Network Logo

Outcomes

With a strong focus on sustainability, RISE will strengthen networks of support around young people by training educators, parents, youth workers, and faith leaders to provide ongoing practical support.

Healthwatch Wiltshire (2023) highlights long waits and lack of tailored support for mental health issues; WSUN has supported 127 autistic young people in two years, with a growing waiting list.

Wiltshire’s Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and Boater (GRBT) Strategy highlights stigma and disengagement as key barriers in communities not seeking support or advice around mental health.

Tailored support

RISE recognises that a one-size-fits-all approach may leave some behind. We are therefore delivering tailored, culturally sensitive mental health support with and for:

  • Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and Boater young people and their parents/ carers.
  • Accessible and inclusive content for neurodivergent and SEND young people, developed together with our local partner WSUN and their youth group to reflect the unique needs and communication styles of these young people.

Our offer

Group of young teenagers workshopping with facilitator
  • Resilience-based workshops for young people aged 14-18 addressing key stressors impacting their mental health, including academic pressures, money, and friendships (16 workshops available to choose from)
  • Training for professionals working with young people who would like to provide more practical support, including teachers and youth workers
  • Training for parents to support young people’s mental health, strengthening family communication and emotional wellbeing.
  • A peer support offer, empowering young people to better support one another
  • Evidence-based content
  • Fully co-produced with young people
  • Tailored to individual groups’ needs

Delivery models

  • Co-delivery (Gold Standard)

    Joint delivery by MHUK facilitators and education / youth work professionals, adaptable to context and shaped by youth voice. Includes facilitator training, discovery sessions with 7-30 young people and workshops.

  • Lite Workshops

    One-hour workshops for groups of young people delivered by MHUK staff, ideal for settings with limited capacity who wish to learn through observation.

  • Facilitator Training

    Three-hour training for 3+ supporting adults to deliver our programme content independently in their setting.

  • Parents’ Programme

    Up to four weekly one-hour workshops for parents

  • Peer Support Programme (Pilot)

    Youth-led peer support model with training and ongoing support, piloted within the project to inform future nationwide roll-out.

Engagement and Delivery Officer

Friday's profile photo

Friday Schoemaker

I’m enthusiastic about supporting young people across the county to access high-quality resources that can help them build resilience and develop the skills to manage life’s challenges, both now and in the future. I am particularly keen to work with SEND and GRBT groups to co-create mental health resources that reflect their needs and ensure their voices are heard and valued.

Through previous roles, I have worked extensively with young people and have led a large-scale community project focused on amplifying marginalised voices, strengthening community connections, and creating safe and inclusive spaces. I am therefore deeply committed to the aims of Wiltshire RISE and look forward to contributing to the support available across the community.

Email Friday

Other Young People's Programmes

Young people talking about Bloom

Bloom

UK’s largest mental health resilience programme for 14–18-year-olds. Delivered in schools and colleges, it equips them with tools to support mental health in life’s transitions.

Find out more

Young People's Workshop

Your Resilience

Your Resilience aims to fortify resilience in young people aged 14-18 and prevent the escalation of mental health challenges through prompt and tailored support in a range of settings.

Find out more

Young People's Workshop

Me & Money

Young people's money anxiety is rising, along with its impact on mental wellbeing. This co-produced programme aims to reduce financial anxiety by increasing awareness of the links.

Find out more