The Challenge

Imagine trying to learn the 7 times table or read a book while riding on a high speed rollercoaster.  This is what life feels like for many of our children. 

Adverse childhood experiences (including poverty and/or loss, neglect, violence and abuse) have a direct impact on mental health across the life course.  These children live on high alert, in a permanent state of fight, flight or freeze.  Lack of access to resources and support presents a double negative.

The Opportunity

Learners who are offered a safe space to share their story, the supportive presence of an engaged and caring adult and the opportunity to build resilience – are able to change the trajectory of their own lives, to escape the trauma cycle, to experience well-being and to thrive.

On the one hand – children and young people are traumatised and in need of a safe space and safe person to confide in and on the other hand – qualified social workers and young people NEET, from these same communities, are unemployed.  There is an opportunity to bring these two groups together (supported by our team of psychologists and social workers) to provide a holistic, community-based mental health service, so that everyone can thrive.  Mental health for all, by all.

The Outcome

Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual

• • realizes his or her own potential,
  • can cope with the normal stresses of life,
  • can work productively and fruitfully,
  • and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

As the World Economic Forum says: “We can’t make progress without investing in mental health… ”

please follow this link to read our: >> Theory of Change and Impact