Young victims of sexual exploitation in Rotherham will be among those to benefit after two vital mental health services received last-ditch funding to remain open.

The value of the Pathways model, developed by national charity Together for Mental Wellbeing, has been recognised in Yorkshire by a range of funders including local police, trusts and foundations.

Pathways teams - both in Yorkshire and in other parts of the UK - support people to identify, understand and alter any behaviours that perpetuate their mental distress.

They work with individuals to develop skills to sustain these changes such as emotional awareness, assertiveness, negotiation and problem-solving.

Service-users have a range of mental health requirements including crisis support. Some have complex needs such as substance misuse issues or histories of offending and some have experienced child sexual exploitation.

A key focus is placed on strengthening informal support networks and relationships due to an over-reliance on the police and the familiar challenge of limited out of hours crisis support.

"We’re delighted that our Pathways teams are able to continue their vital work and keep helping people in both Rotherham and York," said Liz Felton, CEO of Together for Mental Wellbeing. 

"We really believe in this model and our funding partnerships show that agencies across the voluntary, healthcare and criminal justice sectors see its enormous value too. By continuing to work closely together we can help more people access the support they need."