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Statistics and evidence

Statistics and evidence

Our support uses tried and tested methods, backed by research.

We collect evidence and data about the work we do and use it to measure our impact. This helps us to constantly improve our services.

Our work has a profound effect on children’s mental health, illustrated by our statistics. With Place2Be’s help, schools become more ‘mentally healthy’ – and society saves money.

The pupils we support


Last year Place2Be supported more than 5,800 pupils through one-to-one counselling. Many of these children and young people face challenges which can make it hard for them to focus at school.

46% have free school meals, 8% are subject to a child protection plan, 6% are subject to a care order and 23% have Special Educational Needs / Additional Support Needs (SEN/ASN).

Children and young people may worry about other things too. Last year around 28,000 pupils chose to book our self-referral breaktime support service (Place2Talk), where they talked to one of our mental health professionals about friendship problems and difficult emotions like sadness and anger.

If you have problems or worries you get a chance to talk to a person you trust. When I grow up I want to help children like Place2Be helps children. 8-year-old-girl

For every £1 invested, our counselling service in primary schools has the potential to return £6.20 to society by improving outcomes for each child, according to research from Pro Bono Economics.

Read the full report (PDF 1.2MB)

Impact on children and young people

After one-to-one counselling with Place2Be, parents tell us that

79%

with severe difficulties show an improvement in mental health

73%

find it easier to have and keep friends

70%

show an improvement at home

Teachers tell us that

68%

of pupils caused fewer problems in class

65%

of pupils found their difficulties had less impact on their learning

Our follow-up study found that children and young people continue to benefit from these improvements one year later

88%

of pupils maintained no/moderate difficulties one year after counselling according to their parents

82%

of pupils maintained no/moderate difficulties one year after counselling according to teachers

Impact on families

Last year we ran 19,175 guidance sessions for parents and carers (Parent Partnership), helping them understand and support their children.

Impact on school staff

Last year we held over 18,274 consultation sessions for school staff (Place2Think) to support them with issues such as understanding and managing behaviour, supporting pupils and self-care.

17,173 members of teaching staff took part in our online Mental Health Champions – Foundation programme. 91% of respondents agreed the course has increased their capacity to lead a positive approach to mental health and wellbeing within their work, and 97% said they would recommend the course to others.

 

These statistics are from the 2021 academic year.

News & blogs

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New research paper: From a child who is a problem to a child who has a problem

Dr. Kati Toth and Dr. Niki Cooper share the findings of our new study with the University of Cambridge.

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In-school mental health support can reduce school exclusions

A new study has found that school-based mental health interventions may positively influence educational engagement.

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Schools white paper – a missed opportunity

Our Policy and Public Affairs Manager reflects on the government's recently published white paper on schools.

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