Facing challenges with mental health can feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why ICAN was created to offer a safe haven to young people in Gwynedd struggling with mild to moderate mental illness. Within our welcoming hubs in Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Bangor, individuals between the ages of 14 and 25 can easily access a range of early therapeutic interventions and support. By complementing NHS services, ICAN bridges the gap ensuring the right support at the right time, and crucially acts as a safety net catching anyone who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
ICAN Hub
ICAN: Early Intervention and Support for Young People's Mental Well-being
ICAN holistically addresses mental well-being on multiple levels from practical skills to emotional support, and enables individuals to access support on their terms, whether through drop-in sessions, phone calls, or scheduled appointments. The service offers a diverse range of interventions tailored to each young person's needs, including:
- Confidential counselling sessions to address specific concerns and develop coping strategies.
- Regular well-being phone calls from our trained volunteers.
- Engaging workshops covering a range of topics such as managing debt, navigating relationships, drug or alcohol problems, employability, housing issues, and bereavement.
- Art and creative writing workshops that nurture self-expression and help address painful feelings or experiences.
- Various hobby and activity classes, including sports, gardening, walking, and special interest groups to help boost social interaction and improve mental well-being.
Despite the broad range of support on offer at ICAN, sometimes additional resources and support are required for more complex cases. In these instances, our team is here to help navigate the wider network of services and connect young people with the most appropriate care for them.
We know opening up about mental health struggles can be tough. That's why we offer a relaxed and impartial space where individuals can simply drop in without an appointment, grab a cuppa, and chat openly about their challenges. We're here to listen without judgment and provide encouragement and resources to help young people confidently manage their mental well-being, achieve their goals and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Don't face your challenges alone - if you, or someone you know needs support, reach out to our team for a friendly chat about the ways we can help.