WIN & IYF Visit the Brent Centre for Young People

Supporting Irish Youth Mental Health in London

On the 25th of April, the Women’s Irish Network (WIN), in collaboration with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), visited the Brent Centre for Young People to learn firsthand about the vital mental health services being provided to adolescents in the London borough. This visit underscored the urgent need for dedicated support tailored to the unique challenges faced by Irish youth and other young people in Brent.

About the Brent Centre for Young People

The Brent Centre has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when it was founded to fill a critical gap: at that time, very few psychoanalysts worked with adolescents. Starting with just four or five psychoanalysts, the Centre pioneered innovative psychodynamic therapy techniques specially adapted for young people. Unlike traditional therapy, these approaches involve more active engagement from the adolescent and give them greater control during sessions, leading to significantly improved attendance and engagement.

The Centre is not just a place for therapy, it is also a training institution for therapists, many of whom stay on as permanent staff after their training. This unique model helps maintain a high standard of care and ensures continuity for the young people served.

The Growing Need for Services

Valentina Levi, CEO of the Brent Centre, shared valuable insights during our visit, reflecting on the increasing demand for mental health support she has witnessed over her 15 years in the role. One pressing issue is the long NHS waiting lists, with some cases originally managed by CAHMS now being referred to the Centre. Thanks to the dedication of the Centre’s staff, wait times have been reduced from years to just 2-3 months for these young people.

The Brent Centre has also expanded its services to include young adults aged 18 to 24, recognising the continuing need for support beyond adolescence. The team regularly visits local schools to offer support, recognising that teachers are often on the frontline but lack specific training to manage the increasing mental health needs caused by neurodivergence, Covid-related trauma and challenges stemming from online communities.

Supporting High-Risk Youth and the Irish Community

The Centre’s work extends to high-risk groups, including young offenders who face complex challenges such as mistrust and trauma. Innovative programs like group therapy and a football project have been effective in engaging these young people, particularly in school settings. Therapy at the Centre is open-ended, with cases reviewed after approximately 16 sessions to determine ongoing needs.

Importantly, the Brent Centre provides extensive support to the Irish community in London, with around 8% of their adolescent clients identifying as Irish. Many of these young people attend Catholic schools within the borough. Mental Health Support Worker Rita Conneely plays a vital role in ensuring that the cultural needs of Irish adolescents are understood and addressed. The common issues faced by these young people include generational trauma, substance abuse in families, Covid-related stress, and the lasting impact of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Focus on the Traveller Community Project

Another important initiative is the Centre’s Traveller Project, which serves the large Traveller communities in Brent. These communities face specific challenges such as substance abuse, violence and early school leaving. Over the years, school enrolment for Traveller children has improved significantly, and the Centre’s consistent outreach has built the trust necessary for effective engagement. To further support this community, the Centre has established a clinic in a local GP surgery near Traveller sites, although more funding is urgently needed to sustain and expand this work.

WIN & IYF’s Role and Support

The Women’s Irish Network and Irish Youth Foundation are proud to support the Brent Centre’s mission. This partnership highlights WIN’s ongoing commitment to advocating for mental health and wellbeing within the Irish community in London. Most recently, the Irish Youth Foundation provided a grant of £4,000 to contribute toward Rita Conneely’s position and the Irish Mental Health Support Project, ensuring culturally sensitive care continues for Irish adolescents.

Looking Ahead: How You Can Help

WIN invite our community to get involved, whether by attending upcoming events, joining WIN as a member, or supporting these vital mental health services through donations. Your membership and support at our events directly contribute to programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of Irish youth in London.

Explore WIN Membership Benefits

Support Irish Youth Foundation

Our visit to the Brent Centre was a powerful reminder of the growing mental health challenges faced by young people today, especially within the Irish community in London. Through the dedication of organisations like the Brent Centre for Young People, these young lives receive the support and understanding they deserve.