7 December 2023

Latest research shows that one in six children in the UK are likely to have a mental health problem. Providing emotional and wellbeing support early is crucial to supporting a child or young person. That’s why, since 2022, CNWL has awarded £1.25 million in grant schemes to voluntary sector organisations that provide support for children’s emotional wellbeing.

Working with the Local Authorities in our boroughs, these schemes have supported thousands of children across a wide range of communities including children in care, young carers, refugee and asylum seekers, LGBT+, and communities identified as having lower rates of access to children’s mental health services such as black, asian and minority ethnic communities. 

Organisations have provided support in many ways including one-to-one support, workshops, classes and group sessions, as well offering support to the wider family and carers. In order to engage with young people, they have been innovative in their approach, embedding offers through activities such as theatre, boxing, football, art, yoga and drama. 

Working with a range of local voluntary sector organisations and with staff from these communities has allowed offers to be tailored to the needs of local populationThe support has been delivered in community languages too such as Arabic, Pashto and Dari. 

The schemes have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on children with one borough measuring a 96 percent improvement in children’s goals post intervention. Young people who have been supported by the schemes said:

Support young people received and their feedback 

Support on exercises to regulate emotions

I wish more of our conversations about mental health were like this

Supported for anxiety in context of cultural background, beliefs and identify

I thank you with all my heart for the best support given by you. It was great and a wonderful experience

Member of theatre production promoting wellbeing and mindfulness techniques

It shows to others how serious we should take mental health

Attended session on mental health awareness through safe working practices in drama

We need to be more open and hopefully future generations will be more open to talking about mental health

 

CNWL provide child and adolescent mental health services across five boroughs in North West London (Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow, Hillingdon, Westminster) and Milton Keynes.  Alongside our partner organisations, such as Kooth and Best for You, we help children get the right support, at the right time.