Children in Belfast will soon be able to access free face-to-face emotional health and wellbeing support in Belfast.
Space to Grow will begin offering services in 2025 as one of 13 areas chosen to host the programme, which aims to support around 6,000 children aged eight to 13 over the next two years.
Space to Grow specifically targets children who are often underrepresented in emotional health services, including those from the global majority, young carers, and LGBTQ+ youth.
Alongside direct support, the programme will build an evidence base to advocate for improvements in emotional health and wellbeing services.
The service isn’t just for children. Parents, carers, and school staff will also receive resources to help them talk about tough topics with youngsters.
Plus, digital support will be available through The Children’s Society’s MeTime app, and in Scotland, adults can access help via Children First’s support line.
Read more
The initiative has come about thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need, The Health Foundation, Impact on Urban Health and The Children’s Society, along with Children First, and MACS.
Ciará Scollay, Head of Service Floating Support and Outreach for MACS, said: “We are excited to be part of this transformative initiative and to help provide children with the support they need to grow and thrive.
“The Space to Grow programme offers an invaluable opportunity to ensure that children, no matter their background, have access to the resources that will enable them to reach their full potential.”
Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “We’re thrilled to launch Space to Grow and support so many children before they reach crisis point.
“Thank you BBC Children in Need for this £1 million, which enables us to reach children who often miss out on early help. We look forward to supporting thousands more children, so that they are happier, healthier, and thriving.”
Dr Alex George said: “I was honoured to meet with the brilliant team at The Children’s Society back in May to present them with the BBC Children in Need A Million & Me Award.
“It has been a pleasure to follow their journey since and see them make great strides in the early intervention approach to mental health in such a short amount of time. I look forward to seeing their continued impact in the space with the launch of the programme, inspiring safe and regular conversations around mental and emotional wellbeing.”
For more information about the programme, including how to refer in, email [email protected].