GISDA works in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to run ICAN hubs in Gwynedd, offering early intervention mental health support for young people. Current hubs are in Pwllheli, Caernarfon, and Maesgeirchen Bangor, providing therapeutic, early-stage help for young people facing mental health challenges.
Wellbeing
ICAN: Early Intervention and Support for Young People's Mental Well-being
What do the ICAN Hubs offer?
- Early therapeutic support – Workshops, 1:1 sessions, and general support
- Drop-in hubs – A safe space for young people to come without an appointment, have a cuppa, and talk about their concerns
- Onward referrals – If needs are more complex, we refer young people to further interventions or additional services
- Therapeutic counselling – Therapeutic sessions to help young people work through their mental health issues
- Suicide awareness training – Courses and workshops to raise awareness of suicide and provide skills and support for young people and their families
- Well-being support – Activities and workshops to maintain positive mental health and help manage stress
Why is this important?
Early support is essential in helping young people get the help they need before their mental health concerns become more serious. Through the ICAN hubs, we provide easier access to mental health services, alongside practical support and training that helps young people manage their mental health and build a better life.
Other services offered by GISDA
- 1:1 support with trained volunteers
- Group work and well-being workshops – including sessions on topics such as mental health, leaving relationships, debt, drug or alcohol issues, and more
- Referrals to partner organisations such as ICAN Work for appropriate interventions like 1:1 counselling and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
GISDA Creative
GISDA Creative offers young people a platform to express themselves through art, crafts, photography, animation, music, and much more. It is a vital part of our work to nurture confidence, positive mental health, and social connection through creativity.
What is the aim of GISDA Creative?
- To create a safe space for young people to explore and share their experiences through the arts
- To develop creative skills – from scriptwriting to performance, from music recording to filmmaking
- To provide opportunities to work with professional artists and mentors
- To encourage voice and identity – celebrating each individual and their journey
GISDACTIVE
The aim of GISDA Actif is to ensure better well-being for every young person by coordinating a range of active provision – including sport, fitness, diet, and general health. We provide practical support, activities, workshops, and information to help young people make positive choices for their well-being.
What does GISDA Actif offer?
- Physical activities such as walking, climbing, and cycling
- Accessible fitness sessions for everyone
- Sessions on nutrition, diet, and healthy lifestyles
- Raising awareness of physical and emotional health
- Workshops and one-to-one support for personal well-being
Why is this important?
Research and young people’s lived experience show that being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can:
- Boost mental well-being
- Strengthen confidence and self-esteem
- Provide a healthy way to cope with stress or life challenges
- Build positive social connections
