The idea
Hope Tree Counselling and Consultancy Service will deliver seminars, interactive mental-wellbeing sessions, family trips and activity days at community centres in and around Ashford. More than simple drop-offs, these sessions help parents and children learn, bond and practise skills together.
Families face rising pressures from COVID-19’s legacy, the cost-of-living crisis, social media, and increasing SEND needs — especially where English is not a first language.
The programme includes family activity days, seminars on healthy eating, parenting and mental health, one-to-one support, and three CBT-informed wellbeing sessions delivered by a consultant psychiatrist.
Parents will gain practical tools and confidence; children will strengthen relationships and social skills. Outcomes include improved coping, reduced stigma and stronger family resilience, with evaluation ensuring measurable and sustainable impact.
What we'll deliver
- Support 100 children and their families in maintaining good mental health
- Provide 6 specific seminars, 18 one to one counselling sessions
- Interactive trips and experiences for families such as days out and wellbeing activities
Why it's a great idea
Led by Maureen Gordon and supported by consultant psychiatrists, and a social work consultant. We also have a network of volunteers who support the project to deliver immediate, practical benefits:
Responding to a growing demand for mental health support, since the pandemic by increasing local access to affordable, early intervention services.
Building family resilience through therapeutic support in school settings and affordable creative activity days during half-term breaks (not simple drop-offs).
Delivering expert-led care and peer support via our experienced team and volunteer network, improving parents’ confidence to manage everyday challenges.
Expanding reach, with this funding we will extend services to 100 families this year.
Strengthening community links and reducing pressure on crisis services by offering preventative, evidence informed help close to home.
Steps to get it done
- May 2026 — Project setup & launch
- June 2026 — Early delivery & Trip 1
- July 2026 — Activity day & seminar
- August 2026 — Mid-project review & community outreach
- September 2026 — Trip 3 & penultimate seminar
- October 2026 — Final seminar, wrap & evaluation
