It’s the South Coast’s newest young people’s mental health charity – officially launched this week.

Christchurch-based Elevate Foundation is the new name for Helping Young Minds, a registered charity founded in 2020 by Julie Laming and Emily Stones (Weaver).

It followed Mad4Dance’s move to the ground floor of the town’s Royal British Legion building.

The dance school’s arrival at Bargates – and its official opening in 2019 – came after 18 months of legal negotiations and an extensive refurbishment of the premises.

Julie, Principal of Mad4Dance, said the idea to launch a charity was “a lightbulb moment”.

She said: “I just felt we had all this space which could help young people with their mental health as well as the actual dancing use.”

Because of the pandemic, Helping Young Minds only really swung into action from September 2021.

Since then about 35 classes and activities have been run, reaching more than 350 young people.

But, said Julie: “We have big plans for the future and there are so many more things we want to do.

“I’m really excited about the launch of Elevate Foundation which literally takes things to a new level.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and a massive mountain to climb but I really believe we can – and will – have a hugely positive impact on young people.”

Julie said Mad4Dance and Elevate Foundation provided the perfect partnership due to the dance school’s ability to reach young people.

The school – named Overall Business of the Year and also Health, Beauty and Fitness Business of the Year at the 2022 Christchurch Business Awards – has 300 students, aged from two and a half  years up to adults, and seven teachers.

Picture: Paul Collins/PC Visuals.

Apart from Julie, pictured, the charity’s other Trustees are Emily Stones (Chair), Sue Davies, Beth Eames, Caron Khan and Linda Schofield-Green.

Key individuals involved include Megan Manneh, volunteer Fundraising and Events Manager.

Around 100 invited guests attended the official launch at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa.

The entertainment included singer Katie Lennox.

• elevatefoundation.co.uk