In the UK, we are facing an epidemic of mental health problems in young people. With self-harm at an all time high, and traditional treatment pathways being vastly overstretched, it’s never been more important for independent local charities working in this sector to have our support.
Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce a new charity partnership with Hitchin based charity Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT). GRIT helps young people build confidence, manage challenges, and develop the skills to make positive choices.
The Heritage Foundation has previously worked with GRIT as a part of the Great Place to Grow Up initiative, and over the next two years, this partnership will be further developed in ways that support the charity’s work around building resilience and emotional wellbeing. This includes financial support from the Community Investment Committee, as well as fundraising initiatives and broader charitable partnership working including the Heritage Foundation’s venues and other activities delivered as a part of Strategy 2028.
Rebecca Kelly is CEO of GRIT. She said: "Our collaboration with the Letchworth Heritage Foundation through their Great Place to Grow Up initiative has enabled us to deliver a peer mentoring programme in Letchworth at The Highfield School and Fearnhill School that provides stability, emotional support and opportunities for young people to thrive. The Heritage Foundation’s commitment to early intervention has helped GRIT make a significant difference to local families and schools. Being chosen as Charity of the Year recognises the shared belief that every young person deserves the chance to flourish, and we are delighted to build on this partnership over the next two years."
Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation is founded upon its charitable objectives which include Grant Funding & Charitable Support, Education & Learning and Community Support. This partnership speaks to the core of these objectives and will help GRIT to deliver real, positive impact in our community.
GRIT recently published their 2025 impact report at www.gritcharity.org/impact which highlighted that over 500 children had been referred to their service in 2025 – 85% of whom said that they found managing their emotions easier because of the work. Speaking about the report, Rebecca Kelly said: “This report reflects the young people, families, schools and partners who have trusted GRIT to walk alongside them, often at moments when things feel hardest. It also reflects the commitment, skill and care of our team and coaches, who continue to show up with consistency, compassion and belief in young people’s potential.
Over the past year, demand for early-intervention mental-health support has continued to grow. What this report shows clearly is that when young people are met early, in their communities, and through trusted relationships, meaningful change is possible. We see it every day in improved emotional regulation, confidence, engagement with education, and hope for the future.”
As the partnership develops, you can read more about its impact at Letchworth.com. You can find out more about GRIT and pledge your support at www.gritcharity.org