Space to Grow Brings Vital Support to Local Pupils

Our Space to Grow programme is already having a big impact on children’s emotional health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland.

Delivered in partnership with The Children’s Society, MACS, and Children First, Space to Grow offers free, face-to-face support for children aged 8 to 13 who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood or worries.

One teacher from Oakwood Primary School shared how much the service has meant to their pupils:

“The email from Space to Grow came at the perfect time. My class had finished the transfer test and were waiting for their post-primary school placements, and the emotions of several children were becoming increasingly challenging to regulate. Callum delivered a resilience workshop to the whole class, and his enthusiasm had them hooked! He then began one-to-one sessions with five of my pupils. These sessions were the focal point of the children’s week; they loved having the time to talk, or not talk, with no pressure or expectation. Callum ensured each session was bespoke and child-focused. After a few weeks, our SENCO came to me with the news that a child who didn’t normally share his feelings during sensory sessions was bursting to tell her about things that were going on with him. I have no doubt that Callum’s sessions gave him the confidence and security to talk about his worries and allow us to support him. It is my great hope that we can welcome Callum and the Space to Grow team back to school in the next academic year to change the lives of more young people.”

Callum, our wellbeing practitioner delivering the programme, said:

“It has been a privilege to work with so many young people and to see the difference a safe, supportive space can make. We’ve already worked with five schools and are preparing to bring Space to Grow to more communities across Belfast where support is needed most. Just giving children the chance to share what’s on their minds without any pressure is often the first step towards real change.”

We’re proud to see Space to Grow reaching children who might otherwise not get this kind of support, giving them the tools to feel heard, valued and ready to thrive.

To learn more about Space to Grow or to find out how your school can get involved, please  visit our Space to Grow page.