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

## TL;DR

This study explores how neighborhood initiatives in Manchester can improve young people's mental health by fostering a sense of belonging and community.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the concept of 'collective local intelligence' as a novel approach to enhancing youth well-being through neighborhood collaboration.

## Key findings

- Pro-active neighborhood initiatives are positively linked to young people's mental health and well-being.
- Local neighborhoods can serve as a counter to globalization and social media pressures when they foster belonging and identity.

## Abstract

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.

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.

The findings point towards positive linkages between pro‐active neighbourhood initiatives, and the young person's mental health/well being.

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.