Mental Wellbeing Services

Mentoring & Coaching

Coaching and Mentoring Support for Children and Young People

Growing up can be challenging for children and young people, particularly in today’s fast-changing world. The influence of social media and technology, pressures at school, friendships, family and the challenges of everyday life can all affect a young person’s mental health, emotional wellbeing and confidence.

Sometimes, children and young people simply need someone to talk to, practical guidance or a safe space to explore what they are experiencing. Early support can help them develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to manage challenges and make positive progress.

Early Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

At Focusing Minds, we provide coaching and mentoring support for children and young people who may benefit from additional help with their mental health, wellbeing or personal development.

Delivered by our coaches, Andy and Hazel, our support is designed as an entry-level approach to mental health and wellbeing, helping children and young people who may be experiencing everyday challenges but do not necessarily meet the threshold for more specialist or complex mental health services.

Our experienced team can support with a wide range of challenges, including confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, managing emotions, anxiety, motivation, relationships, school-related pressures and personal development.

By providing the right support at the right time, we aim to help children and young people develop practical strategies, recognise their strengths and feel more confident in managing life’s challenges.

Person-Centred Support That Puts Young People First

At Focusing Minds, we take a person-centred approach to coaching and mentoring. This means putting every child and young person at the heart of the support we provide.

We recognise that every individual is different. Their experiences, challenges, strengths, needs and preferences are unique, which is why our support is tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Quite simply, support should be valuable, relevant and beneficial to the person receiving it. We work alongside children and young people to identify what matters to them, develop achievable goals and help them make progress.

Supporting Children and Young People Across West Yorkshire

Focusing Minds provides mental health, wellbeing, coaching and mentoring support for children and young people across West Yorkshire, helping schools, families and young people access early support when they need it.

Whether a child is struggling with confidence, experiencing emotional difficulties, feeling overwhelmed by school or simply needs support to develop their skills and resilience, our aim is to provide accessible, practical and effective support.

If you think we could help a child or young person you know, please get in touch with our team to find out more.

Other Mental Health Services

If you’re an adult seeking support, or have a child with more complex mental health needs, why not explore our counselling services?

Counselling can run alongside or seperate to our mentoring and coaching services.

Services provided by experienced and qualified coaches and mentors.

Features a person-centered approach, putting the young person at the heart of the service and meeting specific need.

A non-judgmental and approach featuring unconditional positive regard (acceptance) of young people allow to create a safe environment to discuss concerns; a variety of engagement tools add to the service’s bespoke nature.

Support for children and young people between the ages of 8-18, extended to 24 if in education.

Support offered for a range of mental health, wellbeing and personal development needs including but not limited to low-level anxieties, confidence, self-esteem, resilience, emotional regulation and soft-skills development.

Face-to-face sessions available with 40 or 50 minute slots across our Brighouse and Ossett spaces, subject to availability and capacity.

Our son has accessed Focusing Minds support for help with his self-awareness, self-esteem, and general anxiety. After a brief period of getting used to opening up and building a relationship (this was very brief as his worker, Andrew, is so personable and warm) he really looks forward to every session and has made such noticeable improvements in his behaviour, ability to articulate what he is feeling and now has strategies to help prevent meltdowns developing to their previous level. His time with Focusing Minds each week is one of the highlights of his weekly schedule and we couldn’t recommend them enough.

Paul and Emily, Parents

We want to express our deepest gratitude for everything you have done for our daughter over the last few years. Your support and understanding have meant the world to us, especially during such a challenging time. Watching her grow and find strength in herself as a result of the work you’ve done together is nothing short of remarkable. You’ve provided her with the tools and confidence she needs to navigate through life’s ups and downs, and for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you for being a steady presence, for your patience and for the care you’ve shown. It’s not easy to make a difference in someone’s life, but you’ve done just that! We’ll always remember your kindness and we’ll forever be thankful for the impact you have had on her wellbeing.

Sally & Steve, Parents

The most positive shift I have seen has been in terms of their attitude at home with all of us. They are much less quick to anger, are more able to chat in general, and tends to isolate far less. Prior to working with you, they would often self isolate for hours, hiding in their room or the cellar. Now they are with siblings, chatting even though they have felt a little under the weather lately. I have also invited them to spend time with me whilst cooking, and they have done, and they have baked with me too. They told me that I was good company last week Their room is also much tidier - it just used to be very messy and now they are taking pride in organising it and keeping it tidy. Every weekend they have been out with friends, taking part in different activities too. So I feel that their self worth is growing.

Linda, Parent

I am really grateful for the compassion that Focusing Minds showed my daughter. She was so nervous to start sessions, I couldn’t even get her through the door. They persisted and reassured her that sessions will go at her pace. She loved going to the sessions once she got to know Andy. He is so kind, caring and you can tell how passionate he is about making a positive change to young people’s mental health. Thank you so much for the effort you put into working with my daughter.

Charlotte, Parent

Andy provided invaluable support and guidance to my daughter for the last 4 years. He helped her through the tough transition from primary to high school (during COVID) and worked with her up until recently. Great support. Highly recommended. Thanks Andy.

Gary, Parent

Thank you for being there for my son. He has come through so much and I’m glad that he has had you to support him. He has loved the time he has spent with you and we are both sad the work has come to an end. You are doing a great job and have helped him; I am grateful for your help. Thank you!

Hannah, Parent of Year 3 boy