Support for Hundreds of Children Through Space to Grow

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At MACS, we are proud to be part of a partnership that is transforming the emotional wellbeing of children across the UK. Through Space to Grow, funded by BBC Children in Need, hundreds of young people are gaining the confidence, support and connection they need to feel understood and valued.

Space to Grow is designed for 8- to 13-year-olds who might struggle to access traditional mental health support. Together with The Children’s Society and Children first, we are offering one-to-one support, group sessions and school-based activities that help children talk about their feelings before things become overwhelming.

And the impact speaks for itself. Over the past year, Space to Grow has:

  • Directly supported more than 500 children
  • Reached over 6,000 children and 1,300 parents and carers
  • Engaged more than 1,000 professionals including teachers and youth workers
  • Opened support services in 13 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

As we mark BBC Children in Need 2025, we are seeing the difference early, compassionate support can make. Children tell us they feel listened to. Families say they feel better equipped. Communities feel more connected.

Adam*, aged 11, summed it up perfectly:

“The kindness I was shown was my favourite part. I just wish it was longer, I wanted more time!”

At MACS, we see this every day. We see children arriving unsure, anxious or overwhelmed and gradually finding their feet. We see them express emotions they’ve never spoken aloud. We see them laugh, take risks, make mistakes, learn and grow. These are the moments that matter.

Callum Kane, our Space to Grow  wellbeing practitioners at MACS, said:

“It’s been incredible to see Space to Grow come to life over the past six months. We have built a programme that helps children understand themselves, express their emotions creatively, and grow in confidence. Watching them light up during sessions, knowing they feel seen, supported and valued has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Families feel the difference too. Elaine*, whose daughter took part, told us:

“My daughter loved going every week. She always came home talking about how much fun she had, it really helped her open up and feel good about herself.”

Space to Grow aligns perfectly with MACS’ values of compassion, empowerment, resilience and purpose. It gives children the space to be heard, the tools to understand themselves, and the confidence to shape their own futures.

We are grateful to BBC Children in Need for believing in this work and enabling us, alongside our partners, to reach children who need support early. Together, we’re helping build a future where young people feel supported long before they reach crisis point.

**Names have been changed