We are incredibly thankful to The Pixel Fund for championing our work with adolescents and young adults living with autoimmune disease. This funding will allow us to reach young people earlier and provide the specialist mental health support they urgently need.
Over the next 12 months, Pixel Fund funding will enable The Wren Project to provide six months of one-to-one and group listening support to 80 adolescents and young people, delivering 960 hours of life-changing mental health support.
Young people diagnosed with autoimmune disease face disproportionately poor mental health outcomes. Alongside depression and anxiety, many experience suicidal ideation and a devastating sense that the life they expected is no longer possible. Without early support, this distress can harden into long-term isolation, withdrawal from education or work, and a risk to life.
Our work exists to meet young people at this critical moment — offering space to be heard, without judgement. “For the first time in a long time, I feel calmer, supported, and able to look ahead with a little more hope.” (Wren, aged 23, UCLH patient)
Thanks to the Pixel Fund, we will strengthen and expand our reach through NHS hospitals, clinics, universities, colleges, and social media — increasing referrals by at least 20% and ensuring young people can access help quickly. “When I contacted the Wren Project, I was deeply depressed and losing hope. The support helped me feel steadier and more able to manage my illness.”
(Wren, aged 25) “I was in a really dark place before and couldn’t see the point of my life. I’ve really appreciated having someone listen to me. The Wren Project has given me hope that things will get better.” (Wren, aged 19)
We are extremely grateful to the Pixel Fund - with your support we are helping young people move from crisis to hope.