Mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed and untreated. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to mental health problems, and it is crucial that they receive the support they need to cope with these challenges. Place2Be is a UK-based charity that provides mental health support services to children and young people in schools. In this article, we will explore how Place2Be works and the services it provides to promote mental health.
What is Place2Be and how it works
a. A brief history of Place2Be
Place2Be was established in 1994 in response to the growing concern about the lack of mental health support for children in schools. The charity was founded by Dame Benny Refson, who saw a need for a safe space where children could receive emotional support.
b. How Place2Be provides support for mental health
Place2Be provides emotional and therapeutic support to children, parents, and school staff. The charity works in partnership with schools to create a safe and nurturing environment for children to talk about their feelings and emotions. Place2Be’s approach is rooted in the belief that early intervention is key to preventing mental health problems from becoming more severe.
Services provided by Place2Be
a. One-to-one counselling
Place2Be offers one-to-one counselling to children who are struggling with their emotions. This service provides a safe and confidential space for children to talk about their feelings and emotions with a trained counsellor.
b. Group counselling
Group counselling is another service provided by Place2Be. This service is designed to help children build relationships and develop social skills. The groups are led by trained counsellors and provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for children to share their experiences.
c. Art and play therapy
Art and play therapy are creative and non-verbal forms of therapy that can be particularly helpful for children who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Place2Be offers these therapies as a way for children to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies.
d. Parent support
Place2Be also provides support for parents and carers. The charity recognizes that parenting can be challenging and stressful, and offers a range of services to help parents and carers support their children’s emotional well-being.
Who can benefit from Place2Be’s services
a. Children
Place2Be’s services are primarily aimed at children and young people between the ages of 4 and 18. The charity believes that by providing support at an early age, children are better equipped to manage their emotions and develop resilience.
b. Parents
Parents and carers can also benefit from Place2Be’s services. The charity provides support and guidance to help parents understand their children’s emotional needs and develop strategies to support them.
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Impact of Place2Be’s services
a. Case studies
Place2Be has a track record of positively impacting the lives of children, parents, and school staff. The charity has several case studies that illustrate the positive impact of its services. For example, a 10-year-old boy who was struggling with anxiety and had trouble concentrating in class received one-to-one counselling from Place2Be. After several sessions, the boy was able to manage his anxiety and improve his academic performance.
b. Research findings
Research has also shown the positive impact of Place2Be’s services. A study conducted by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families found that children who received counselling from Place2Be showed significant improvements in their well-being, academic performance, and behaviour.
How to access Place2Be’s services
Place2Be’s services are available in over 600 schools across the UK. Parents and carers can contact their child’s school to find out if the school has a Place2Be service. Schools that do not have a Place2Be service can contact the charity to find out how to set one up.
Challenges faced by Place2Be
a. Funding
Like many charities, Place2Be faces funding challenges. The charity relies on donations and grants to fund its services, and the demand for mental health support services continues to grow. Place2Be has called for increased investment in children’s mental health to ensure that every child has access to the support they need.
b. Stigma surrounding mental health
Despite the progress that has been made in raising awareness about mental health, there is still a significant amount of stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can make it difficult for children and families to seek help. Place2Be is working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting the importance of emotional well-being and providing support and education to schools, parents, and children.
Conclusion
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it is important that children have access to the support they need to cope with mental health challenges. Place2Be is a UK-based charity that provides mental health support services to children, parents, and school staff. The charity’s services include one-to-one counselling, group counselling, art and play therapy, and parent support. Place2Be has a proven track record of positively impacting the lives of children and families, and the charity’s services are available in over 600 schools across the UK. However, the charity faces funding challenges and works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
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FAQs
1. How can I find out if my child’s school has a Place2Be service?
You can contact your child’s school to find out if they have a Place2Be service. Schools that do not have a Place2Be service can contact the charity to find out how to set one up.
2. How much does it cost to access Place2Be’s services?
Place2Be’s services are free for children, parents, and school staff.
3. What qualifications do Place2Be counsellors have?
Place2Be counsellors are trained professionals who hold a relevant counselling qualification.
4. Can Place2Be services be accessed outside of school hours?
Place2Be services are typically available during school hours. However, some schools may offer after-school sessions.
5. How can I support Place2Be?
You can support Place2Be by making a donation, fundraising, or volunteering. Visit the charity’s website for more information.
