Children's Mental Health Support in Wakefield & Brighouse

What age children do you support?

Our coaching and mentoring support is available for children and young people aged 8–18, extending to age 24 for young people in education.

We also provide counselling for children, young people and adults, meaning mental health and emotional wellbeing support is available across a much wider age range through our counselling service.

Can you help my child with anxiety?

Yes. Our child anxiety support helps children and young people better understand their worries, develop practical coping strategies and build confidence and resilience. Depending on your child’s individual needs, support may include mentoring, counselling or another appropriate approach.

For children and young people with more complex needs, counselling support may also be appropriate. The right approach will depend upon the individual needs and circumstances of your child.

Child anxiety support can help young people better understand their worries, develop practical coping strategies and build confidence and resilience.

What’s the difference between mentoring and counselling?

Our coaching and mentoring is an early-entry approach to mental health, wellbeing and personal development. It provides practical support for areas such as anxiety, confidence, self-esteem, emotional regulation, resilience, motivation, relationships and school pressures.

Counselling provides a therapeutic space in which children, young people and adults can explore thoughts, feelings, emotions and experiences with a qualified counsellor. Our counselling team uses an integrative and relational approach incorporating methods including person-centred, CBT, solution-focused, attachment and psychodynamic theories.

Counselling and mentoring can be provided separately or alongside one another where appropriate.

My child is struggling at school. Can you help?

Yes. Difficulties at school can affect a child’s mental health, confidence and overall wellbeing. Focusing Minds supports children and young people experiencing challenges including school-related pressures, anxiety, confidence difficulties, relationships, motivation and emotional regulation.

We also work directly with schools and education settings, allowing support to consider the wider circumstances affecting a young person’s experience of education.

Do I need to know which service my child needs before contacting you?

No. We understand that parents may know their child needs some additional help without knowing whether mentoring, counselling, SEND support or another form of support is most appropriate.

You can contact Focusing Minds, tell us a little about what’s happening and the difficulties your child is experiencing, and we can discuss the support available and help you explore an appropriate next step.

Do you offer any free mental health and wellbeing support?

Yes. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), Focusing Minds aims to make mental health and wellbeing support as accessible as possible. Where funding, grants, donations or community partnerships allow, we provide free or fully funded support for children, young people and families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing services.

The availability of free support can vary depending on current funding and the projects we are delivering. This may include mental health and wellbeing support, mentoring, personal development activities, parent support, workshops or other community-based services.

If you’re looking for free mental health support for your child or family in Wakefield, Ossett, Brighouse or surrounding areas, please contact us to find out what funded services are currently available. Even when a particular programme is full, we can explain our current support options and help you understand the next steps.

Do you offer mental health and wellbeing services for adults?

Yes. Although much of our mental health and wellbeing support focuses on children and young people, Focusing Minds also provides a range of services for adults.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, our adult counselling support provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

We also support parents and families of children with SEND, whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you are still exploring their needs. Our support can help parents better understand the challenges they and their child may be experiencing.

If you’re looking to take a more proactive approach to your health and wellbeing, we also offer a range of holistic treatments designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress and support your overall wellbeing.

How do I contact Focusing Minds?

You can contact Focusing Minds directly to discuss mental health, wellbeing, coaching, mentoring, counselling, or other support.

For Wakefield and Ossett, call 01924 729002. For Brighouse, Calderdale and Kirklees, call 01484 212101. Alternatively, email hello@tomakeprogress.co.uk or use the contact form on our website.