Champions for Children Campaign – Unlocking Potential

Why we need you

Children in poverty are 4.5 times more likely to experience severe mental health problems and face barriers to accessing support. Data from the RCPsych shows a 53% increase of children in mental health crisis needing emergency support since 2019, because they couldn’t access services. The impact is devastating for children with SEMH needs who, unable to focus on learning, are disproportionately excluded from schools in England – limiting the possibility of ever changing their future for good.

We deliver therapeutic interventions in schools, to children with SEMH needs, that heal trauma, improve mental health and remove barriers to participation and learning. Our Psychotherapy, Occupational, Speech and Language Therapists help children develop social, emotional, communication and fine-motor skills so they don’t fall behind, give up or act out. We restore hope, the capacity to learn and give children the chance of a better education and a better future.

Campaign Aims

Provision of 1:1 Therapy, engaging children in play, imagination and the use of creative media such as art, to assist the child in the exploration of their inner and outer worlds in relation to themselves, self and others in order to facilitate psychological healing, growth and transformation.

Provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) for children who have communication needs such as social, language and fluency difficulties. Our work involves assessment, individual/group therapy and support for their parents and teachers.

Provision of Occupational Therapy to improve performance of the tasks and activities that are important for successful school functioning such as handwriting and other fine motor skills, attention and concentration, sensory struggles, and memory and organisation.

Provision of Six Times Talk Time (6xTT) a short-term solution focused intervention offered 1:1 or in small groups. 6xTT sessions provide support in one of 5 areas: Self-Esteem, Social Skills, Emotional Literacy, Anger Management, Transition and change.

To raise awareness amongst schools and parents of the hidden needs and challenges of children and giving them the knowledge and strategies to support children with SEMH through Parenting Groups, 1:1 parent meetings as part of children’s therapy check-in, and providing Universal Support for schools.

Understanding the Target

Funds will go towards the core cost of our Schools Programme which provides therapeutic interventions and well-being activities to school children with social, emotional and mental health needs. This is an ongoing programme that is growing due to the crisis in children’s mental health, the increase in children being excluded from school, the spiralling cost of living and the lack of access to services for the children who need them most.

All donations until we reach our target will be matched, One Donation, Double the Difference.

Impact

Our work provides huge social, emotional and mental health benefits for children with SEMH needs in schools across London. Our programme has a profound impact on their ability and capacity to participate in school life, laying the foundations for future learning, making positive and healthy choices that lead to better outcomes. Children, teachers and parents all report significant improvements in the mental health & wellbeing, self-esteem and behaviour of children who participate in our Schools Programme.

Donate now and your kindness will have double the impact!

Champions for Children: One Donation, Double the Difference

Why we need you

Campaign Aims

Understanding the Target

Impact