Mental Health
BBC Children in Need funds early support that strengthens emotional wellbeing, builds resilience and prevents crises before they take hold
The Scale
- 6% of children supported by BBC Children in Need-funded projects say that they worry about mental health issues affecting them.
- Around 1 in 5 children and young people have a probable mental health condition.
- 500 children a day in England, one every three minutes, are referred to mental health services for anxiety; over double pre-pandemic levels.
- The UK’s 15-year-olds report the lowest life satisfaction in Europe.
- 75% of young people with mental health needs face long waits or cannot access treatment at all.
How we make a difference
Mental health struggles are often shaped by other issues such as deprivation, trauma, discrimination, disability, loss and family adversity. That’s why a high proportion of our mental health-related projects also support children living with poverty (43%) or family challenges (29%),making sure those living with multiple pressures receive the right help.
We focus on early action, prevention and lasting impact powered by trusted positive relationships. We support local organisations that offer counselling, therapeutic support, mentoring, creative expression and peer connection.
We champion trauma-informed, inclusive and culturally responsive approaches, reaching children living with disabilities, neurodivergent children, care-experienced children and those affected by bereavement or abuse.
Our funding aims to provide:
- Safe, supportive spaces: youth clubs, after school groups and holiday sessions where children can manage emotions, connect with others and build coping strategies.
- Therapeutic and trauma-informed support: counselling, group therapy, play therapy and crisis support delivered by trusted professionals.
- Creative, physical and outdoor activities: arts, music,drama, sports and outdoor adventures that reduce anxiety and build confidence.
- Targeted mentoring and personal development: trusted adults that show up consistently to help children manage their feelings, build resilience and set goals.
- Specialist support for neurodivergent and disabled children: tailored wellbeing sessions that meet diverse needs.
Case Study: Families in Grief, Barnstaple, Devon
2024 was tough for 14-year-old Lauren from Devon. First, her beloved Grandma died, shortly followed by her Grandad just six months later. She was very close to both her grandparents and losing them so close to one another was very difficult for her.
She began to find day to day life and school hard to deal with whilst trying to process her big emotions.
Thankfully, in February 2025, Lauren found Families in Grief, an organisation supported by BBC Children in Need. Here, she was able to have one-to-one counselling and attend group activities at an outdoor centre, where she met other young people who had also experienced loss. They were able to have fun whilst sharing their memories, which helped her cope.
Lauren is a budding singer and represented the Southwest in the 2025 BBC Children in Need choir, performing Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’, the same song she sang at her grandma’s funeral
Our other areas of focus
Discover what we fund in these areas, the positive differences it makes to children and young people, and explore real‑life case studies.
