Young People's Mental Health Stockport Manchester

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Young People’s Arc

Young People’s Arc (YPA) supports more than 100 children and young people facing severe life, family and mental health challenges each year.  

We offer creative, life-changing opportunities to children and young people at risk and dealing with issues as varied as caring responsibilities, bereavement, bullying, neurodiversity and acute anxiety.

YPA consists of our MusicSpace programme, Shine (in partnership with Beacon Counselling), and a range of partnerships and commissions with agencies across Stockport, Tameside and Oldham.

MusicSpace

MusicSpace is a participatory music for wellbeing programme for young people aged 11-16 living in the Stockport and Tameside areas.

“I can’t stop smiling… I loved singing that.” 

The young people are led by professional musicians to learn how to write, perform and record their own music and explore how music can help with the challenges that we all face every day.

Creating and sharing music together is a relaxed and fun way to build confidence and boost wellbeing.

Absolutely no musical experience is necessary, just a willingness to have a go and have some fun!

Sessions take place weekly during term time on Tuesdays from 16:30-18:30 at Arc at Hat Works in the centre of Stockport.

You can make a referral online here, or if you have any questions email ypa@arc-centre.org or call 0161 480 7731.

You can also follow MusicSpace on Instagram and SoundCloud!

Shine

Shine is an arts studio project, providing young people aged 11–17 with a safe space in which they are able to express themselves without judgement. Over 12 weekly sessions they develop visual arts skills and create their own artwork – which boosts their confidence, increases a sense of pride and belonging, and impacts on their mental health, building resilience to help them cope. And it’s fun! 

Sessions take place on Wednesdays 16:30–18:30 at Hat Works. For more information or to make a referral please contact Beacon Counselling.

What did Jigsaw think about a partnership art project with us?

“After the first week I came home and said, ‘I don’t have to wear my mask mum, I can be me.’ No-one here thinks I’m weird.” 

“I was worried about being with people I didn’t know, worried I’d not be able to talk to people. But the atmosphere here is really great, it’s really welcoming and friendly.” 

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“Many thanks again for providing such a wonderful, safe place for my kids to thrive in.”

“This has ended up not just being support for the young people but for us parents too. There’s a little group of us, we chat in the week, and we’re here for each other, someone to talk to.” 