What we do
Growing up should be a time to discover who you are, spend time with friends and try new things. But for some teenagers, their formative years are spent trapped in poverty, struggling with their mental health and facing abuse on and offline.
We work with young people when things are tough, providing practical and emotional support and helping them find a way forward. And we use what we learn from young people to challenge the systems that aren't working for them.
Our work centres on three things that can have a huge impact on a teenager's life: their emotional health and wellbeing, their safety, and the circumstances they're growing up in.
Emotional health and wellbeing
When you're struggling with how you feel, it can affect every part of your life. But too many young people can't get support when they need it.
Our wellbeing services give young people somewhere to go and someone to talk to. We listen to what they're going through and help them understand their feelings and find support that works for them.
We also work to make sure young people get the early help they need, before problems reach crisis point.
Explore our work on young people's emotional wellbeing and mental health
If I didn't get that support, I wouldn't be here.
Sam, young person
Campaign with us
Safety and protection
Young people can face serious risks, like abuse, grooming, and exploitation, both online and offline. They can be manipulated or trapped in ways that make it difficult to get away or ask for help.
We work directly with young people who are experiencing or are at risk of harm. We provide safe spaces, trusted support and help from people who take time to understand what they're going through.
We also work with professionals, communities and decision-makers to improve how young people are supported and protected.
Quote from young person
The Children’s Society has changed my life for the good.
Mabel, young person
Support through challenging situations
Not every teen gets the chance to experience these formative years in the way they should.
Poverty can mean missing out on things friends take for granted. Caring for a family member or friend can leave little time for school, friendships or being a young person yourself. And for young people who have been in care, the transition into adulthood can come with challenges that many others don't face.
We support young people through these circumstances, while working to change the systems and policies that can make life harder.
Explore our work on young carers
Explore our work on child poverty
After I found The Children’s Society, teenhood felt more free.
Rachel, young person
We work with and for young people to make change
Our work doesn't stop with individual support.
We listen to young people and involve them in shaping the support they receive and the changes they want to see. We work with professionals and partners, and campaign for changes to the systems and policies affecting young people's lives.
Because young people know better than anyone what they need.
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Every young person deserves the chance to enjoy growing up and look forward to their future.
Because if teens are in trouble, we all are. Together, we can Save Teenhood.
Areas of work
The support we offer is as varied as the young people we meet. We help children and young people who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, facing exploitation or abuse, or experiencing the impacts of poverty.
Our services include one-to-one support, therapy, group sessions, creative activities and much more.
