The Young Women’s Mental Health Caseworker role was funded for four years by the Pilgrim Trust, with a focus on promoting connection and meaningful engagement with young women aged 18–25, helping to prevent marginalisation.

The role was designed to develop supportive, responsive ways of working that ensure young women feel heard, understood and supported, particularly during times when they need it most. At its core, the role centres on building trust, connection and empowerment.

In delivering this work, we have prioritised connecting Stockport Women’s Centre with a wide range of local support services. Strong partnerships have been established with organisations including CAMHS, the Care Leavers Hub, and Pure Innovations, with further connections continuing to grow. These partnerships play a dual role: raising awareness of our work whilst enabling truly wrap-around, holistic support for each young woman we work with.

Focusing specifically on the 18–25 age group has created space for meaningful growth and self-reflection. Young women are offered a non-judgemental environment in which they can explore their aspirations, navigate life transitions and reflect on the complexities of societal expectations placed on women.

Most importantly, the funding, and therefore the role itself, creates choice. Young women are supported to develop confidence, autonomy, and the ability to make decisions they may never have believed possible. What began as a focus on connection has grown into empowerment, self-determination, and lasting change.