Addressing Children's Poor Mental Health
In the last three years the likelihood of a young person having a mental health problem has increased by 50% (The Good Childhood Report 2022, The Children’s Society) and today 5 children in every class are likely to have a mental health problem. 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 early interventions.
1 in 8
Children are unhappy at school
1 in 9
Children have low well-being
1 in 9
Children said they did not cope well with changes because of the Coronavirus pandemic
Children who are referred to our #CapeAbility in Schools programme have experience of:
- Trauma – including exposure to domestic abuse
- Isolation and loss of social skills
- Neglect
- Unexpected separation of a family unit
- Impact of social media and increased screen time
- Emotionally based school non-attendance
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
How are we going to solve the issue?
The #CapeAbility in Schools programme is a school- based 10-week group work programme to build the emotional health, well-being and resilience of children in school years 3-5 (ages 7-10). The programme is specifically designed to support children with post-covid anxieties alongside other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
It aims to foster emotional resilience in children within their daily encounters and to empower students with the essential tools required to cultivate robust and wholesome relationships. All Welcare staff are trained to approach conflict through a trauma-informed lens which requires trust, transparency and sensitivity. Welcare staff use a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, discussions, as well as arts and crafts in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our #CapeAbility in Schools Programme is fully integrated into the school’s pastoral system and supports aspects of the ‘behaviour and attitudes’ judgement of schools through the OFSTED inspection. Groups take place in school for between 8-10 children over 10 weeks. Through our programme the children will:
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms
- Learn to navigate challenging situations more effectively
- Accept the challenging nature of friendships
- Improve their emotional well-being and resillience and the ability to achieve their potential
Worry Monster, designed by Zain aged 10
This activity helps children discuss & understand their worries.
We measure the impact of our work with children using MyStar – a generic sector tool used to qualitatively assess impact. Welcare aims to achieve a minimum of 80% of children recording an improvement in their:
- Feelings & Behaviour
- Friends
- Confidence & Self-esteem
Read Isabel & Grace’s story to learn more about how we supported them through partnership work with their school.
Superheroes, designed by a group of Year 5s
This activity helps children recognise their strengths & abilities and how they can use them to solve problems positively.
What is the cost?
Can you help by pledging?
£11,000
would fund delivery of #CapeAbility in one school for a year
£27,500
would fund, train and support 0.5 new members of staff to deliver the #CapeAbility In Schools programme
£55,000
would enable Welcare to recruit one new member of staff to deliver the programme for one year
Click here to download our full #CapeAbility in Schools Funding Proposal
Supporting Articles
Contact us
For more information or to discuss a donation or pledge, please contact Anna Khan, CEO on 07967 093 644 or email her anna.khan@welcare.org
