We run weekly youth groups at The Colours Building in Whitehaven, offering young people a safe, welcoming space to relax, have fun, make friends, and feel supported.
These groups support mental and emotional wellbeing through connection, creativity, and shared experiences. They are open to young people who may be feeling anxious, isolated, low in confidence, or simply looking for a friendly place to belong. Sessions are informal, inclusive, and designed to feel enjoyable rather than clinical.
Our groups are LGBTQ+ and ally friendly, celebrating diversity and creating a space where everyone is respected and accepted for who they are. Young people are welcome to express themselves freely, without fear of judgement, and to connect with others in a supportive, affirming environment.
At the heart of our sessions is the chance to have fun, build friendships, and feel part of a community. Activities are relaxed and varied, with no pressure to take part in anything that feels uncomfortable. There is also no expectation to talk about personal issues — young people can simply enjoy being themselves in a safe space.
Whitehaven Arts Society (ages 16–24)
A welcoming mental wellbeing group for older young people, providing space to connect with peers, express yourself, and build a sense of belonging. The group is LGBTQ+ and ally friendly, with a strong focus on inclusion, mutual respect, and wellbeing.
Both groups are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers who prioritise emotional safety, inclusion, and mental wellbeing. These sessions are not counselling or therapy, but offer an important early-intervention and preventative form of support for young people who may not need, or are not yet accessing, statutory mental. health services.