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10 year THRIVE celebration group shot

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Young people supporting young people to thrive – celebrating 10 years of the THRIVE framework

On November 28, 2024, over 100 people gathered at the Tavistock Centre to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the original THRIVE Framework paper (Wolpert et al., 2014). It was wonderful to have many of the authors present to reflect on a decade of its impact in improving mental health and wellbeing support services across the UK, keeping children, young people, and their families, at the heart of decision-making.

The THRIVE Framework for system change (Wolpert et al., 2019) is an integrated, person-centred, and needs-led approach to delivering mental health and wellbeing services for children, young people, and their families. It was developed through a collaboration of authors from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

Rachel James, Director of Therapies at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and a co- author of the Framework, said:

“The THRIVE Framework for system change emphasises prevention and promotes good mental health and wellbeing across the entire population of children, young people and their families. At this 10 year celebration event, it was fantastic to hear the amazing testimonials from young people and providers about the ways local implementation of the framework across England has enabled equitable place-based opportunities that drawing on the strengths of community resources and evidence based interventions available to children, young people and their families to ensure their holistic needs can be met”.

The Greater Manchester i-THRIVE (GM i-THRIVE) Programme utilises the THRIVE Framework for system change to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people across Greater Manchester.

Rochdale, one of the ten metropolitan borough’s  in Greater Manchester, has implemented  the THRIVE Framework through ‘Raising Rochdale,’ which aims to meet the needs of all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, from birth to age 25. The program ensures that children are in school, supported and educated, and helps children stay connected to their family and community by building resilience and assisting them in achieving successful outcomes as they transition into adulthood.

Nathan Ashurst is a Raising Rochdale Youth SEND Ambassador and a strong advocate for young people. He works diligently to inspire and serve as a role model for children and young people with SEND. A football fan, he champions inclusivity and opportunity for all. He has initiated several projects at Rochdale Football Club to support SEND young people and enhance their sense of inclusion.

Speaking at the celebration event, Nathan reflected on his experience with Raising Rochdale:

“When I first accessed mental health services at 11, there was no support like Raising Rochdale. Now, I’m a SEND Ambassador for them, using opportunities like championing football and the football community as a way of support. The help I provide now brings me joy.”

Ollie’s Random Acts of Kindness (ORAOK) is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to supporting music fans. Their mission is to provide a platform for music enthusiasts to connect, support one another, and access unique products and services. The project aims to promote positivity and kindness in the community, believing that small acts of generosity can create a substantial impact. ORAOK also offers advice and support related to sexual health, substance misuse, and mental health.

During the celebration event, the ORAOK team shared insights about their work. Oliver Burns, Founder and Director, Disability Lead, stated:

“The THRIVE Framework has fostered an environment where organisations like ours can become central to the lives of young people and be valued by health services.”

Feedback from the event highlighted its positive reception:

“Thank you for an amazing event and for bringing together immense expertise, combining lived experience with clinical and research expertise to inform our understanding of the THRIVE Framework and beyond!”

“It was an inspirational day that has boosted my confidence in advocating for youth voice to influence system change and engage decision-makers. Thank you!”

For more information on the THRIVE Framework for system change and how the National i-THRIVE programme can support implementation please visit THRIVE Framework for system change | i-THRIVE.