Covid-19 is damaging the mental health of children and young people. Our aim is to minimise the long term impact on children aged from 4 to 18 across Essex. Working with local charity Kids Inspire we can ensure that as schools reopen and demand for vital therapy sessions increase funding is available to support all these children. Your donation will help ensure that as the consequences of the pandemic continue children can access the help they so badly need.
Damage to the mental health of children can arise from anxiety or concerns including: Isolation without meeting peers or friends; Falling behind in learning when schools closed; Abusive or violent households; Family members seriously ill with Covid-19; Bereavement; Return to school with new rules and the threat of virus spread; Family members working as key workers. Without therapy the impact on the mental health of children may be long term risking a reduction in life chances.
Children aged 4 to18 are referred by schools doctors or parents including key workers. Each child is offered 3 telephone or video-link sessions with a trained therapist. Where necessary this can be extended to 10 sessions or up to 30 sessions for very complex cases. For the youngest children (45% of referrals are aged 11 or under) activity packs or Treasure Bags are used by therapists to facilitate play therapy. When therapy is complete children may be allocated a mentor to maintain progress.
Over 7000 sessions have already been delivered since lockdown began in March. A return to school in September means mental health issues among children will become more visible and the need for support greater than ever. Therapy will allow children to face the many challenges from Covid-19 with a new confidence, improved resilience and the ability to manage feelings and behaviour in a healthy way. Your donation can ensure that no child is turned away and denied vital support.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
