Our Story
The Wolfpack Project, a youth charity situated in Nottingham, is dedicated to providing vital support for young individuals aged 16-35 across Nottinghamshire. Our mission centres on delivering assistance for mental health challenges and addressing the pervasive issue of loneliness within this demographic.
Founded in 2019 by Damien Reynolds; The Wolfpack Project was established to combat the substantial, growing issue of youth loneliness as a serious public-health problem of our time. As a result of his own experience of loneliness, Damien set up the charity in his hometown of Nottingham.
Five years on and the charity is growing to meet the need for timely, relevant and accessible support for young people in the city and county.
Damien Reynolds
Founder , The Wolfpack Project
I rarely saw friends or family and found myself becoming less socially active, struggling to meet people and form new friendships. I felt isolated and lonely, and my mental health and confidence suffered as I lacked the ability or willingness to leave the house and connect with others. It was this longing for social and emotional nourishment that inspired me to create The Wolfpack Project, to help others avoid the same loneliness I experienced.
Our Vision
For young people to be empowered with the tools and opportunities to support their mental health and feelings of loneliness, through meaningful resources and community.
Our Mission
To provide a variety of opportunities for young people to access support that helps reduce barriers they may face around isolation, loneliness or low mental health. Through these opportunities, young people develop meaningful connections, build a sense of community and develop the tools that can help them now and in the future.
Our Values: P.A.C.T
Principled
We respect each other, thrive on diversity, and will always act in the best interests of the communities we serve.
Ambitious
We’re determined to drive change and focus on how we make the most impact. We adapt and always strive for better; pushing ourselves and our boundaries.
Connected
We collaborate internally and externally, to create a fairer society. We listen and share; learning and growing with the expertise of others.
Transparent
We’ll be respectful, open, honest and accountable, and ensure the partners and agencies we work with, share the same approach.
Our Impact
At The Wolfpack Project, we believe in transparency and accountability in our mission to support the young people of Nottinghamshire. We are proud to present our Impact Report for the year 2022-2023, showcasing the strides we’ve taken in fulfilling our commitment to reducing loneliness and promoting positive mental health among individuals aged 16-35.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of our activities, accomplishments, and the tangible impact we’ve made within our community. Through a combination of one-to-one support, social groups, events, and more, we have worked tirelessly to create support networks and foster a sense of belonging among isolated young people.
Why Are We Needed More Than Ever?
%
Of young people who experience a mental health problem aren’t getting the help they need.
Research shows that chronic loneliness can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your mental health. Long-term feelings of loneliness and social isolation can also reduce cognitive skills, such as the ability to concentrate, make decisions, problem-solve, and even change negative self-beliefs, which can ultimately lead to depression. Chronic, or long-term, loneliness can afflict all types of people. It’s easy to assume that someone who’s naturally shy and introverted might be most at risk, but outgoing personalities can also suffer from chronic loneliness, even though they may appear to be the life of the party and chronic loneliness among young people is only getting worse.
Less than 1 in 3 young people with a mental health condition get access to NHS care and treatment
(YoungMinds)
16-24 year olds are the age group most likely to feel lonely often or all the time
(Office of National Statistics)
1/4 students have mental health problems (77% have depression, and 74% have anxiety)
(YouGov)
But there is opportunity to make things better...
58% of young people say they are “more motivated than ever” to work for a positive future
(Coop Foundation)
Almost two thirds of young people (65%) say they are more likely to reach out to friends who they think may need help
(Coop Foundation)
89% of young people have taken an action that has helped to combat their feelings of loneliness
(Coop Foundation)