Northampton Saints Foundation Chief Executive, Jordan Letts, has represented the charity at Parliament, contributing to a national discussion on the future of children and young people's mental health support.
On Tuesday 27 October, Jordan joined a panel of experts at Portcullis House, Westminster, as part of a joint inquiry led by the Education Select Committee and the Health and Social Care Committee.
The hearing, chaired by Dame Helen Hayes, explored the vital role community organisations play in supporting young people's mental health, identifying successful approaches and considering how these could be replicated across the country.
Representing Northampton Saints Foundation, Jordan brought a unique perspective to the discussion, highlighting how sport, education, social inclusion and employability programmes can provide early intervention and reach young people who may struggle to access traditional mental health services.
A central message from the Foundation was the importance of building trusted relationships with young people, particularly those experiencing challenges with education, mental health or the transition into employment.
The Foundation's approach demonstrates how sport can be the starting point for meaningful support, creating opportunities to engage young people before their challenges reach crisis point.
The hearing also provided an opportunity to highlight the Foundation's growing investment in mental health provision. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the charity has introduced an in-house qualified counsellor and is supporting six existing staff members to train as qualified counsellors, further strengthening the support available across its programmes.
Jordan Letts, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints Foundation, said:
"It was a real privilege to represent Northampton Saints Foundation in Parliament and contribute to such an important national conversation.
Every day, we see the challenges young people face and the difference that early intervention, trusted relationships and the right support can make.
Sport gives us an opportunity to connect with young people who might otherwise be difficult to reach, but it's the wider support we provide that helps them build confidence, overcome barriers and move forward.
Community organisations have a huge role to play, and I hope discussions like this help ensure they are recognised, supported and properly invested in for the future."
The Foundation also emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between community organisations, education providers and health services, alongside the need for flexible, long-term funding to help charities respond to the changing needs of young people.
For Northampton Saints Foundation, the opportunity to contribute to a parliamentary inquiry marks an important moment in its continued development, ensuring the experiences of young people across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes are represented in discussions that could help shape future national policy.
From local communities to Parliament, the Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and helping young people build brighter futures.