YOUnited

YOUnited counsellors support children with mild to moderate difficulties such as worries or anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, friendship or social difficulties, low confidence or self-esteem, and challenges linked to changes or stress.

Brief child-centred counselling is a short-term therapeutic intervention that focuses on the individual needs, experiences, and strengths of each child. (Delivered over a limited number of sessions), it provides a safe and supportive space for children to express their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel right for them, such as through talking, play, or creative activities.

This service does not provide therapy for diagnosed trauma, PTSD, or specialist bereavement, and is designed to offer early, preventative support rather than specialist or crisis care.

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) deliver evidence-based, brief interventions to support children and young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, or emotional difficulties. CWP work is practical and skills-focused, helping families develop tools they can use in everyday life to support emotional wellbeing.

For children and young people aged 8–13 years, interventions may involve direct work with the child, supported by their parent or carer where appropriate. Sessions focus on helping the child understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and on learning practical strategies such as coping skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation techniques.

However, for children aged 5-11 years (primary school age), CWP interventions are parent- or carer-led. In these cases, the practitioner works primarily with the adult to share strategies, guidance, and support that can be used at home to help the child.

Younger children often express and manage emotions through their relationships with the adults around them.

A parent-led approach recognises the important role parents and carers play in supporting emotional development at this age.

By working directly with adults, CWPs can help families build confidence, consistency, and effective strategies that support the child in their everyday environment.

This approach helps create meaningful and lasting change, ensuring children receive the right support in a way that is developmentally appropriate and most likely to be effective.

For children aged 5-11 years (primary school age), YOUnited offers parent-led programmes designed to support children with anxiety or challenging behaviour. In these programmes, the CWP works directly with parents or carers, providing guidance, strategies, and practical tools that can be applied at home.

Examples of what parent-led programmes may cover:

• Managing anxiety: Helping children cope with worries, fears, and new experiences through structured activities and supportive routines.
• Addressing challenging behaviour: Teaching strategies to respond to difficult behaviours consistently and positively, encouraging cooperation and emotional regulation.
• Building resilience: Supporting parents to strengthen their child’s confidence, problem-solving, and coping skills in everyday situations.

The focus is on empowering parents to guide their child’s emotional wellbeing, because at this age, children often respond best when adults model and support new skills in real-life situations.

For young people aged 11-13 years (secondary school age) YOUnited provides child-led interventions for anxiety and low mood. In these sessions, the child works directly with a CWP or counsellor, with parent involvement as appropriate, to develop understanding, skills, and coping strategies.

Examples of child-led interventions include:

• Anxiety management: Identifying worries, learning relaxation and grounding techniques, and developing problem-solving skills.
• Low mood support: Exploring feelings, developing positive coping strategies, and building self-esteem and confidence.
• Skill-building: Practical exercises to manage emotions, improve social skills, and increase resilience in everyday life.

Child-led interventions focus on giving the child a safe space to express themselves and actively learn strategies to manage their mental health, while also encouraging positive involvement from parents to support progress at home.

YOUnited offers parent-led group interventions delivered by a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) for parents and carers of children aged 5-11 years (primary school age) who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or challenging behaviour.

Younger children learn best when supported by the adults around them, so supporting parents can ensure that children receive consistent guidance and emotional support in their daily lives.

The groups therefore offer an opportunity for parents and carers come together to learn practical strategies and techniques that they can use at home to support their child’s emotional wellbeing and behaviour. The sessions focus on sharing knowledge, practising skills, and receiving guidance in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Key features of the programme include:

• Structured guidance: CWPs teach evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety and behaviour in children.
• Skill-building for parents: Techniques include creating consistent routines, setting boundaries, promoting positive behaviour, and supporting emotional regulation.
• Peer support: Parents and carers benefit from sharing experiences and learning alongside others facing similar challenges.

Home-based application: The programme emphasises putting strategies into practice in everyday situations, helping children build confidence, resilience, and coping skills.

YOUnited offers Emotional Wellbeing Groups for Parents and Carers, designed to help adults support their child’s emotional development and manage everyday challenges at home. In these sessions, parents learn practical, evidence-based strategies to understand and respond to their child’s emotions.

Topics covered include the “Hand Brain” diagram to explain how the brain reacts under stress, “Flipping Your Lid” to recognise and manage emotional outbursts, the use of specific praise to encourage positive behaviour, role modelling healthy coping strategies, and the Zones of Regulation framework to help children identify and regulate their feelings. The group provides a supportive environment for parents to practice skills, share experiences, and build confidence in guiding their child’s emotional wellbeing.