UPLifting Children
A school-based mental health service providing high-quality therapeutic support to children and families struggling with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH).
UPLifting Children is a school-based mental health service offering therapeutic interventions and wellbeing activities to primary and secondary age children. We have a multi-disciplinary team, including Psychotherapists and Creative Arts Therapists, Occupational and Speech and Language therapists who provide flexible, timely and targeted interventions to improve emotional wellbeing and help children and families thrive.
The number of children experiencing mental health challenges has increased from 1 in 9 in 2017, to 1 in 6 in 2020 (NHS). It is now more important than ever that the most vulnerable children in society have access to support and appropriate interventions.
Our accessible multi-disciplinary service is fully integrated into the school’s pastoral system and able to reach out to children or parents at the first sign of distress. It is led by a Team Manager, a qualified Child Therapist, who assesses the level of need and formulates a targeted intervention plan. We draw from a broad range of interventions such as: 1-1 therapy (including play and art therapy), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, short-term targeted therapeutic interventions and during/after school clubs and activities. Our work is three-fold: with children, with parents and caregivers and with school staff.
Following UP support, children feel more understood, anxieties and disruptive behaviour are reduced and classroom dynamics and relationships with peers and parents are improved. We also ease stress on teachers and specialist CAHMS services. Ultimately, children gain better emotional regulation, improved wellbeing, and are better equipped to succeed in education and in later life.
If you want to learn more about our programme and how we might be able to work together in your school, email our Lead Hub Manager for UPLifting Children, Rachel Shrive (rachel.shrive@up.org.uk) and download our brochure for schools below.
For placement enquires please contact Lisa O’Connell Psychotherapy Placements Lead: lisa.oconnell@up.org.uk
“Without Unlocking Potential, we would struggle to meet the needs of some of our more vulnerable pupils, owing to our increasingly limited resources. In light of more recent global events and the increased focus on mental health across the curriculum, the need for the service of Unlocking Potential is even more vital.”
Headteacher in Hackney