In a world where corporate responsibility often feels like a buzzword, Tesco — yes, your local Tesco — is making moves that might just shake things up for young people across the UK.
Earlier this week, Tesco announced the launch of its new Stronger Starts Youth Wellbeing Fund, pledging £5 million to support mental health and wellbeing projects for children and young people. This isn’t just another PR stunt. It’s a major step toward addressing the deep, often invisible challenges young people face today.
But what does this actually mean for you, your community, and the thousands of young people across the country? Let’s break it down.
So, What’s the Story?
Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork, a community-focused charity, to create this new fund. It’s a nationwide project that will dish out up to £1,500 per grant to schools, youth groups, and charities that are actively supporting young people’s wellbeing. We’re talking about real projects: youth clubs offering safe spaces, peer support groups, after-school mental health sessions, and more.
The fund is focused on:
- Mental health and resilience
- Physical wellbeing and activity
- Peer support, mentoring, and social connection
And the best part? The public — that means you — can help decide where the money goes. Every time you shop at Tesco and receive a blue token, you get to vote on which local projects get funded. It’s putting power back in the hands of communities.
Why This Is Bigger Than Tesco
Let’s be real. Youth mental health in the UK is in crisis. According to the NHS, one in six children aged 5 to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in 2021. That number has only grown in the aftermath of the pandemic, cost-of-living pressures, and rising social media anxiety.
Add to that the fact that youth services have seen major funding cuts over the last decade — with more than £1 billion stripped away nationally — and it becomes clear: young people are expected to survive, grow, and thrive… with less.
That’s what makes this fund stand out. It’s not just about giving — it’s about rebuilding.
How This Impacts Young People Directly
This initiative isn’t just symbolic. It’s practical and personal.
Here’s how it could help:
- Local youth clubs could get the money they need to stay open later, hire more staff, or run mental health workshops.
- Schools in disadvantaged areas could create quiet rooms or wellbeing hubs for students struggling with anxiety, stress, or bullying.
- Grassroots groups led by young people — for young people — could gain the funds to expand their outreach and peer support efforts.
These are the types of services that can literally change lives — sometimes even save them.
For young people who feel forgotten or overlooked, this is a reminder: you matter. Your wellbeing matters. And there are people fighting for your right to feel supported.
The Real Power? Community Voice
What’s smart about Tesco’s approach is that it doesn’t assume it knows best. Instead, it’s letting the community decide where the money goes.
That means young people, families, and local workers get to have their say on what matters most in their area — whether it’s a mental health drop-in centre, a girls’ football team, or creative therapy workshops for teens.
It’s a small shift, but a powerful one. It’s about moving away from top-down charity and moving toward community-led action.
But Let’s Keep It 100: It’s Still Just a Start
We’re not going to pretend that £5 million solves the whole problem. It doesn’t. Not when young people are:
- Waiting months for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) referrals,
- Struggling with rising academic pressure and few job prospects,
- Navigating mental health challenges with limited access to professional support.
This fund is a band-aid on a broken system — but it’s a meaningful one. It’s proof that when major corporations step up, they can play a role in repairing some of the cracks.
The goal now? To inspire more businesses, local authorities, and decision-makers to do the same — or better.
What Can You Do?
You might be wondering, “Cool, but how can I actually get involved?”
Here’s a few ways:
- Vote with your blue token – Every time you shop at Tesco, use it wisely.
- Tell your school or youth group to apply – Applications for funding are open now via the Groundwork website.
- Use your voice – Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or at your school, talk about why mental health matters.
- Start something yourself – The grant is open to small, community-led projects. That means you could be the one to spark the next safe space.
Final Thoughts: Hope Looks Like Action
We hear it all the time: “Young people are our future.” But if we’re serious about that, we’ve got to invest in them today. Projects like the Tesco Youth Wellbeing Fund are a strong reminder that action speaks louder than slogans.
Whether you’re a young person struggling with your mental health, a creative looking for community, or someone passionate about social change — this is for you. There’s power in being seen, supported, and celebrated.
Because no one should have to fight alone for their mental wellbeing.
And maybe, just maybe, that blue token in your pocket is a sign that better things are coming.
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