Narrative Matters: Improving young people's mental health through neighbourhood initiatives – the role of ‘collective local intelligence’ in Manchester

Abstract

Background: Young persons’ well-being is the key priority for this case study on the inner-city neighbourhoods of Manchester, and the challenges of coordination and synergy between the many organizations involved. Methods: The ‘Local-wise’ project draws from insights on ‘collective local intelligence’, and the methods of the ‘Pathways toolkit’ which can explore and work with stakeholders on ways forward. Results: The findings point towards positive linkages between pro-active neighbourhood initiatives, and the young person's mental health/well being. Conclusions: There is huge potential for upstream preventive work, where ideally the local neighbourhood is a place of belonging, identity and livelihood, as a counter to the pressures of globalization, precarity and social media.