Young people are on the edge of crisis — failed by a system stretched beyond its limits.
Act now. Don't let young people fall off the edge.
Who We Support
The young people we support in North-West London are facing multiple, overlapping pressures:
- 2 in 3 have experienced family disruption
- 50% have a parent with mental health difficulties
- 1 in 3 face financial hardship
- 1 in 3 have experienced emotional abuse
- 1 in 4 are affected by domestic violence
- 1 in 5 have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity
These challenges do not happen in isolation. In areas where we work, poverty, discrimination, lack of services and opportunities all accumulate - pushing young people closer to crisis.
The Cost of Waiting for Crisis
When we wait for young people to reach crisis point, everyone pays the price:
- Lost education and career opportunities
- Damaged relationships with family and friends
- Increased risk of substance abuse, homelessness and involvement in the criminal justice system
- Long-term mental and physical health problems
- A lifetime of reduced wellbeing and potential
The Cost to Society
Over £1 trillion in lifetime lost earnings
Total lifetime lost earnings for the current generation affected by childhood mental health problems (before adjusting for inflation).
£300 billion annually
Cost to the English economy from youth mental health issues - including reduced labour market participation, lost tax receipts and increased benefit spending.
(FutureMinds report 2025)
Early intervention is both compassionate and cost-effective: every £1 invested in child and adolescent mental health services generates £4.25 in benefits for individuals and savings for the government.
What We Do Differently
At the Brent Centre for Young People, we step in before young people fall through the cracks.
Specialist, age-appropriate therapy
Supporting young people into adulthood (11-25 years)
Consistent therapeutic relationship – building trust and supporting mental health recovery
Young person-led – proceeding at your pace.
Long-term care, not crisis-only intervention
Advice and Advocacy Support
Education support
Employment guidance
Housing assistance
Benefits advice
Removing barriers that prevent mental health support from working
Community Engagement
Supporting teachers
Educating parents
Training professionals
So, warning signs are spotted early and acted on
