Column: Jordan Baker: How Calderdale charity Invictus Wellbeing changes lives through early support
In its tenth year, Invictus Wellbeing has become a lifeline for thousands of children and young people across Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford.
Founded in 2015 by Chris Georgiou, the charity grew from his own experiences with mental health challenges and a determination to make early, accessible support available.
Invictus provides services for children and young people aged five to 25. Working with schools, organisations and businesses, the charity offers practical support, raises awareness and helps young people develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive at home and at school.
One key initiative, the BREW Project, offers confidential one-to-one support for five to 17-year-olds experiencing mild to moderate mental health struggles. For older young people, the Transition Support Service helps 16 to 25-year-olds navigate the move from adolescence into adulthood, particularly those facing mental health or life challenges.
Alongside individual support, Invictus delivers activity-based programmes that combine fun with personal growth. These include Urban Adventure with the ROKT Foundation, the Try High Holiday Club in Calderdale and the Thrive Holiday Club in Bradford. Through these programmes, young people try new activities, build friendships, develop resilience and learn ways to manage their emotions in a supportive environment.
In 2023–24 alone, Invictus Wellbeing supported more than 3,100individuals, with demand continuing to rise.
One example of the charity’s impact is Tabatha, a seven-year-old from Halifax who struggled with overwhelming emotions and anxious thoughts. Her mum, Tammy, said: “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 and young people’s wellbeing practitioner Nicola Hanson, learning strategies to manage her thoughts and feelings. This support gave her the confidence to perform in the BBC Children in Need Choir during the televised appeal night.
Tammy said: “Seeing Tabatha on that stage, smiling and performing with other children, was incredible. Invictus gave her the confidence and tools to shine.”
Tabatha added: “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!”
A key part of Invictus Wellbeing’s approach is co-producing services with young people. Through initiatives such as the Youth Leaders programme and Youth Advisory Board, young people help shape the support they receive by sharing feedback and contributing to service design.
Looking ahead, the charity remains focused on early intervention, collaboration and ensuring young people have a voice.
Reflecting on the future, CEO Danny Hutchinson said: “Invictus Wellbeing has grown enormously over the last five years and now employs more than 50 staff, supporting thousands of young people each year. We look forward to refreshing our strategy in 2026 and continuing our ambition to be West Yorkshire’s children and young people’s mental health charity.”