A different way of supporting young people’s mental health in Tower Hamlets
Through a pilot with NHS England, we helped deliver Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) for young people supported by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services – and the results speak for themselves.
At its heart, a Personal Health Budget is a simple idea: instead of a one-size-fits-all service, young people are given a small, agreed amount of funding to support their wellbeing goals. That might look different for every young person – and that’s exactly the point.
Starting with what matters
One of the most important parts of the programme wasn’t the funding itself, but the conversations between our PHB team and the individual looking for support.
Before anything was agreed, our staff spent time getting to know each young person. Not in a formal, clinical way, but by asking simple questions: What’s important to you? What do you enjoy? What would help you feel better?
For many, this was the first time they’d been asked these questions in this way.
Some didn’t want to be on camera. Some were having difficult days. So we adapted – phone calls, flexible meetings, taking things at their pace. What mattered was creating a space where they felt comfortable enough to open up.
And from there, we built wellbeing plans together.
She’s really happy with this… it has regulated her emotions when she’s having an episode. It has been a huge help
Parent of a young person on our PHB programme
Small things, big impact
The requests themselves were often simple, but the impact was anything but.
For one young person, a games console became a way to regulate emotions during overwhelming moments. For another, access to a community opportunity opened up new confidence and engagement with learning.
Many chose gym memberships or sports equipment. Others needed IT equipment to safely connect with the world from home when anxiety made in-person interaction too difficult.
These weren’t random purchases. Each were carefully linked to goals like:
· building confidence
· reducing anxiety
· re-engaging with education
· improving physical and mental health
And it worked.
What we saw
Over the life of the pilot, we supported 125 young people. More than 95% reported improved wellbeing within six months.
But beyond the numbers, it’s the stories that stay with us.
Meetings for my son’s mental health are usually so dreary and serious. Thank you for bringing some light.”
Parent of a young person on our PHB programme
Clinicians saw the difference too. Not just in outcomes, but in engagement. Young people who had struggled to connect with services were starting to re-engage, on their own terms.
What we learned along the way
This wasn’t without its challenges.
Many families were navigating complex situations – financial pressures, limited digital access, or their own mental health needs. So we adapted, offering practical, hands-on support to make sure the process didn’t become another barrier.
We also worked closely with clinicians, building awareness and trust in the model. As understanding grew, referrals increased – and so did the reach of the programme.
Why it matters
What this pilot showed us is that personalised care isn’t just a nice idea, it’s truly effective.
When young people are trusted, listened to, and given some control over their support, meaningful change can happen.
Though the programme has come to an end, we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved alongside young people, families, and partners. We want to celebrate these positive outcomes and share how this way of working – flexible, human, and built around the individual – should help shape how support is delivered in the future.