Ealing Wellbeing Hub will offer a range of therapies for children and young people to improve mental and emotional health outcomes, particularly for families from the diverse local community who do not access mainstream services. Significant barriers to seeking support will be removed: EWH will be based in a local primary school with a longstanding relationship with the local community; EWH therapists will use a collaborative, faith- and culture-sensitive approach; EWH will work with parents and carers to reduce stigma and fear of prejudice; therapies will be free at point of access. EWH will also offer support to parents/carers, eg peer support groups, 1:1 drop-in sessions and workshops to improve mental and emotional wellbeing, working with established partners where appropriate. Experienced child mental health practitioners will provide therapies (eg child and adolescent psychotherapy, CBT, SALT) according to local demand. They will be supervised as per professional standards.

What we'll deliver:

• Free therapies for local children and young people
• Support for parents and carers
• Faith- and culture-sensitive for families from local marginalised groups
• Access to mental and emotional wellbeing services in a school-based community setting
• Inclusive, responsive approach

Why it's a great idea:

Minoritised communities often do not access mainstream mental health support due to fear of prejudice and stigma. This is particularly worrying post-pandemic, when the number of children and young people struggling with mental health issues has increased. The current economic situation is putting families under further pressure, with consequences for mental and emotional health. Acton Gardens Primary School Head Teacher Lubna Khan has built longstanding relationships in Ealing's diverse community, and has identified significant emotional wellbeing needs among local children and families, many of whom do not engage with mainstream services. The EWH, with its emphasis on faith- and cultural-sensitivity, will be a valuable local resource meeting these needs in a trusted community setting. The involvement of Reflection Network, a charity improving mental health support for Muslim heritage children, will enhance this offer. The Society for the Unwell and Needy has also pledged its support.

Steps to get it done:

• Repurpose unused classrooms to create children's therapy rooms
• Recruit therapists (via Reflection Network) and identify children for assessment
• Start offering 1:1 in-person assessment and therapy sessions
• Start offering parent support and training (individual and group)

Lubna Khan, Executive Head, Acton Gardens Primary (formerly Berrymede Infant and Junior Schools), will have overall responsibility for delivering EWH. Reflection Network (charity reg.no. 1115145) will assist in developing EWH, fundraising, recruiting and supervising therapists, and monitoring outcomes. Acton Gardens Primary has sufficient space (indoor and outdoor) to create a dedicated therapy rooms for children, suitable for a variety of therapies. Referrals via Ealing schools and other services. Parent support to include: drop-in sessions for individual parents/carers after drop-off; small 'safe space' groups for parents/carers to share their parenting experiences and any concerns about their children’s psychological/emotional health. Experienced therapists in training on accredited post-graduate courses will work alongside fully qualified therapists, who will provide the necessary supervision. The target amount will fund a 1-year pilot project, to be extended funding-permitting.