The Hope Tree exists to provide a safe, accessible place where counselling, advice and training facilitate change, strengthen family roots and give families fresh hope for the future.
Since 2015, we have supported low-income families in and around Ashford through holistic, relationship-focused services for children, young people and their parents.
What we do
Therapeutic support in school settings for primary and secondary pupils (ages 11–18 and younger where appropriate).
Affordable, creative activity days during half-term breaks that prioritise quality family time and learning, not simple drop-offs.
One-to-one counselling, pastoral support for teachers, and training for school staff in therapeutic approaches.
Around 1 in 10 children and young people experience mental-health difficulties, with demand rising since the pandemic (source: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)). Pressures linked to the cost-of-living crisis, social media, family breakdown and increasing neurodiverse needs have intensified challenges, particularly for families whose first language is not English. Our early, preventative support strengthens resilience, improves parent–child relationships and reduces reliance on crisis services.
The service is led by Maureen Gordon, an experienced counsellor working with adults, children and young people facing depression, self-harm, bereavement, anxiety and school-related pressures. She has worked extensively in secondary schools, supporting students to overcome personal difficulties that affect both wellbeing and academic progress. With younger children she uses play-therapy techniques to support communication and emotional expression. She also provides pastoral support and training to school staff.
Schools report improved pupil wellbeing, stronger engagement in learning and effective support for children with anxiety, trauma and complex needs. Parents and children describe activity days as inclusive, confidence-building and valuable for quality family time. Young people say counseling helps them express feelings, cope with loss and manage anxiety.
Across schools, families and volunteers, feedback consistently highlights the service as reliable, compassionate and impactful, demonstrating strong community trust and measurable outcomes.
