THRU peer support - Leeds Mind

THRU (Talk, Help, Relate, Understand) is an award winning Leeds Mind peer support project.

We offer peer support group work for young people aged between 11 and 25. We offer workshops and courses to young people in education and community settings, as well as offering up to 6 months of support in weekly groups.

We also offer ‘My Mental Health, My Future’. This course provides young people with skills to help navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood, and from children’s to adult services.

”"I feel like I fit in somewhere for the first time."

THRU groups are a space to meet with other young people to share how you’re feeling and to develop new ways of managing your mental health. Together we work on things like managing stress, confidence building and self esteem.
The group gives you an opportunity to:

-Meet others and have fun with those who have similar experiences
-Share your experiences in a safe, non-judgemental space
-Develop skills to help manage your mental health and wellbeing
-Be supported by trained staff and volunteers who have experienced mental health difficulties themselves

What is peer support?

My Mental Health, My Future

“[The course] has actually convinced me to start asking for help again as I feel I have more tools to do so”

What is My Mental Health, My Future?

My Mental Health, My Future is a 6 week peer support course to support the transition from childhood to adulthood, covering the following topics:

Adult services
Advocating for myself
Employment and mental health
Money
Food and wellbeing
Real self care

“I learned that others have very similar experiences, and also how to go in with the right aims, prep and questions when advocating for myself “

Who is My Mental Health, My Future for?

My Mental Health, My Future is for young people in Leeds who may be:

Leaving child services
Leaving education
Entering employment
Moving away from home
Trying to become financially independent
Entering adult relationships
Feeling overwhelmed by life
Struggling to find a balance between responsibilities and self care

“[The course gave me] confidence to speak to managers about my… needs.”

If you are a young person interested in this course, please email youngpeople@leedsmind.org.uk.

If you work with young people in Leeds who may benefit from this course, we can come and deliver it at a venue of your choice. Please email youngpeople@leedsmind.org.uk for more information.

When and where is THRU?

Weekly groups

Mondays, 5-7pm, Leeds city centre (18-25 years)

”“THRU has changed my mindset on going to groups. I imagined the worst case scenarios but it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.”

How do I join THRU?

If you would like support for yourself or if you would like to help somebody else get support, please fill in one of the short forms on this page. If you would like help to fill in the form, please contact us at youngpeople@leedsmind.org.uk or 0113 305 5800.

We will get in touch within 3 working days (our working days are Monday to Friday) to arrange a ‘getting to know each other’ chat with one of our friendly team, who will let you know what support Leeds Mind can offer so you can choose the right support for you.

If you choose to join THRU weekly groups you will attend a short introduction session to experience peer support first hand.

If you would like more information, please email youngpeople@leedsmind.org.uk or call 0113 305 5800 to chat to a member of our friendly team.

Nervous about joining?

If you have any worries about joining THRU, our team are happy to have a chat either via email, text, video chat or on the phone.

We are also happy to welcome others (a professional you’re currently working with, a parent or a supporter) as part of the introduction session if this would help you to feel more comfortable.

Give us a call Send us an email

Meet the THRU team

Helen

Hello my name is Helen 🙂 and I am a peer support group and development worker at Leeds Mind.

I have been working with the service for just over 2 years, facilitating on our core programme of mental health and wellbeing-focused workshops and courses. As well as leading on THRU (Talk, Help, Relate & Understand), our young people’s peer support project. I came to peer support personally several years ago, as a group member then volunteer, and I am still here now because of how wonderful the environment it is at Leeds Mind. Connecting with other people through peer support was an extremely powerful experience for me, which helped to rebuild my confidence after a period of being mentally unwell and allowed me to find work again. For me connecting with others honestly through sharing has a transformative power, and it excites me that I get explore this model particularly with young people, not only supporting them, but learning so much myself from them on how to stay mentally well.

Alex

Hi! I’m Alex. I’ve been working with Leeds Mind as a Group and Development worker since April 2019 but for years before that I was a volunteer and, originally, a group member.

When I first encountered peer support with Leeds Mind I was struggling with depression and anxiety. Due to my anxiety, I really didn’t think groups would work for me, but over the years peer support has helped me build my self-esteem, feel more connected with others and learn how to cope and talk about my mental health and it continues to be a big part of how I manage my wellbeing. Outside of Leeds Mind, I enjoy watching films and reading books which are, not always but often, of the spooky/crime variety and I’m an avid Leeds United fan.