SELFA Springboard: How we support young adults

Posted: 11th March 2026

At SELFA, we have more than 20 different groups for children, young adults and parents. It can be hard to know which one is right for you – so this week, we’re shining a spotlight on SELFA Springboard!

What is SELFA Springboard?

Springboard is a health project designed to tackle the health inequalities faced by young adults. We support people aged 18 to 25 to stay healthy, build brighter futures and help ease pressure on the NHS.

During term time, we run weekly sessions in Skipton that focus on supporting mental and physical wellbeing, while also helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, strengthen self-esteem and work towards their goals.

The group is for individuals who have learning disabilities, and/or who are neurodivergent, and/or have mental health support needs.

Springboard is funded by Core20PLUS5, a national NHS England approach managed by the Reducing Inequalities Alliance which aims to reduce healthcare inequalities. 

So far, we have received two years of funding to support young people across the Craven area. We’d like to extend a huge thank you for their support – thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to offer a wide range of activities that promote good health and wellbeing, from crafts and exercise classes to talks and trips.

Springboard also welcomes visits from health professionals who help educate our members about staying mentally and physically healthy. These include doctors, social prescribers, NHS workers who connect people with community-based activities and groups to support their wellbeing, as well as mental health practitioners and dentists.

“We’ve had sessions with sculptors and done a group art installation at Craven Arts House – which is something to be proud of!” says Sarah Astin, a key worker for young adults and parents at SELFA.

“We have also done planting workshops and poetry writing with the Buzzing Skipton project. We’ve also done a seated dancing class with Skipton Step Into Action. We have a gym induction next week and we encourage our young people to enjoy physical exercise. We often visit libraries, so members can choose books based on their own interests.”

Why is SELFA Springboard so important for the community?

Young people in the UK face significant challenges, including rising poverty, increasing mental health problems and often, a lack of access to necessary support.

Our own research has found that there is a lack of accessible mental health services in rural areas like Skipton and the Craven area. This need can’t simply be addressed through more NHS or Local Authority staff, as more services are just not viable for such a sparse population.

“At Springboard, we focus on building resilience, developing social skills, and educating people about self care, nutrition and physical exercise,” says Astin.

“People form friendships and gain a sense of togetherness. We share feelings and talk about our emotions in a safe space,” she adds. “We also help our young adults access wider community groups and activities outside of Springboard. All of these things develop independence and give people better access to employment opportunities and work experience.”