A Decade of Early Intervention
Founded in 2015 by Chris Georgiou, the charity grew out of his own experiences with mental health challenges and a determination to make early, accessible support a reality for others.
By combining one-to-one support, group activities, and community partnerships, Invictus Wellbeing empowers young people and strengthens communities. The charity is also an active member of the Calderdale Mental Health Alliance, where CEO Danny Hutchinson represents Invictus as a VCSE representative, helping ensure young people’s voices are at the heart of local mental health initiatives.
Services That Support and Empower
The charity provides a wide range of services for children and young people aged 5 to 25. Working alongside schools, local organisations, and businesses, Invictus Wellbeing offers practical support, raises awareness, and helps young people develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive both at home and at school.
Key initiatives include the BREW Project, which provides confidential one-to-one support for 5 to 17-year-olds experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges. For older young people, the Transition Support Service helps 16 to 25-year-olds navigate the sometimes tricky shift from adolescence into adulthood, particularly for those who have struggled with mental health or daily life challenges.
Beyond one-to-one support, the charity runs activity-based programmes that mix fun with personal growth. These include Urban Adventure, in partnership with the ROKT Foundation, the Try High Holiday Club in Calderdale, and the Thrive Holiday Club in Bradford. Young people can try new experiences, make friends, build resilience, and learn ways to manage their emotions — all while feeling part of a supportive community.
In 2023–24, Invictus Wellbeing supported 3,100 individuals, with numbers continuing to grow year on year, reflecting the rising need for early mental health support.
Tabatha’s Journey
One example of the charity’s impact is Tabatha, a 7-year-old from Halifax who struggled with big emotions and anxious thoughts. Her mum, Tammy, recalls:
“Tabatha was becoming increasingly worried and overwhelmed. We didn’t know where to turn. The school put us in touch with Invictus, and it changed everything for her.”
Through the BREW Project, Tabatha worked with Children & Young People’s Wellbeing Practitioner Nicola Hanson, learning strategies to manage her thoughts and feelings. This support gave her the confidence to take part in a very special experience: performing in the BBC Children in Need Choir on the televised appeal night.
Tammy reflects:
“Seeing Tabatha on that stage, smiling and performing with other children, was incredible. Invictus gave her the confidence and tools to shine. As a parent, I can’t thank them enough.”
And Tabatha herself said:
“It was really exciting getting to meet Pudsey. I thought singing on stage would be scary, but it was fun, and I got to be on TV!”
Watch Tabatha’s segment on Children in Need here
Stories like Tabatha’s show just how much early intervention and compassionate support can transform young lives. Funding from organisations such as BBC Children in Need enables Invictus Wellbeing to continue reaching more children and young people across the region.
Young People Shaping the Services They Use
What makes Invictus Wellbeing unique is its commitment to co-producing services with young people. Through paid and volunteer roles, including the Youth Leaders programme and Youth Advisory Board, young people help shape the support they receive.
They share honest feedback on what works and what could be improved, contributing to programme development, service design, and evaluation. This approach not only improves service quality but also empowers young people with confidence, skills, and a sense of ownership over their mental health journeys.
By listening to young voices, Invictus Wellbeing ensures its services continue to evolve in ways that meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Building a Resilient Future
As Invictus Wellbeing looks to the next decade, its focus remains on early intervention, collaboration, and giving children and young people a voice.
Reflecting on the organisation’s growth and future ambitions, CEO Danny Hutchinson said:
“Invictus Wellbeing has grown enormously over the last five years and now employs over 50 members of staff and works with thousands of young people each year. We have focused on expanding our reach and answering the call when a young person needs access to support. We look forward to refreshing our strategy in 2026 and striving to be West Yorkshire’s Children and Young Person’s mental health charity.”
With the demand for mental health support continuing to rise, the charity’s work is more important than ever. By investing in prevention, empowering young people, and working closely with communities, Invictus Wellbeing is helping to build a healthier, more resilient generation.
