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How we work

How we work

Place2Be works in schools to help children and young people explore their emotions and feel better about themselves.

Children and young people can go to the Place2Be room in their school to express themselves by making art, playing or talking. 

Why is Place2Be useful?

Sometimes children and young people can feel particularly sad, confused, scared or angry.

Maybe something difficult happened at home, like losing a family member or parents separating. Or perhaps they’re struggling with something at school, like bullying.

This can make them behave differently, lose confidence in themselves or find it difficult to concentrate in class.

Place2Be is there to help children and young people find ways to cope, so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, their learning or how they feel about themselves.

Last year (2022):

  • 33,327 children and young people booked an appointment with Place2Be themselves
  • 76% of pupils with severe difficulties showed improved mental health after getting help from Place2Be.
“When I feel worried, it’s like I’m in a maze and the people in Place2Be are coming with a torch and showing me the way.” 11-year-old boy

What does Place2Be do?

Each school with Place2Be on-site has a dedicated professional who is in charge of our service there.

Our team work with children and young people one-to-one or in small groups, giving regular support to pupils who need it.

Children and young people can also book a short appointment to talk about any problems or worries they have – we call this Place2Talk.

How does Place2Be work with families?

We always seek agreement from parents or carers before we support a child or young person under 16.

When a child or young person has one-to-one counselling, we meet with their parents or carers regularly to keep them updated and make sure they are involved from the start.

Primary schools supported by Place2Be also have access to a Family Practitioner to provide dedicated advice and support for parents and carers.

How does Place2Be work with school staff?

Place2Be also works with teachers and school staff to help them understand and support emotional wellbeing across the school.

This could involve assemblies for children about dealing with difficult feelings or training for staff about responding to bullying.

Any questions?

If your child’s school has Place2Be, please feel free to talk to the Place2Be staff member – they’ll be happy to help.

You can also get in touch with our head office by email.

Support in a crisis

Place2Be works in partnership with Shout - a 24/7 text messaging service to support anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere.

Find out more about Shout on their website

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