Nationally 1 in 8 Children and Young People (CYP) have a mental health challenge.

Trafford has 3800+ children and young people seeking support for mental health challenges. Local Commissioners found parents of teens want more support, especially more whole family support, wellbeing and emotional help for children and young people, all of which Calm Connections offers.

Currently services offered are stretched not always able to provide the support required. Those who are accepted often face lengthy waiting times - 94 days average waiting time in Manchester from referral to first treatment assessment - and there are no waiting time standards in place across specialist CAMHS. This leaves CYP and their families in crisis and very vulnerable not knowing where to turn.

Evidence shows nurturing stronger family relationships ensures children are better supported through challenges, parents are more informed and know where to go for help and so enables faster recovery rates. Calm Connections provides the latter and equips families with tools and techniques to better support good mental health and coping strategies.

Our early intervention will save the public purse by supporting CYP and their families through crisis, preventing breakdown of family relationships, and other negative influences associated with youth mental health. Calm Connections has already made a substantial impact and received fantastic feedback from families, professionals and CYP themselves. We are working alongside a range of organisations in Trafford, who provide support for young people and recognise the benefits of working with the whole family.

We have a 6 week programme that supports families to improve their connection and communication to develop stronger relationships. They will also learn a range of wellbeing tools and techniques to support good mental health and relaxation. We have several low income families eager to attend our programme and we don't have the funding or finances to offer them subsidised places.

We are looking for individuals or companies to sponsor a family member or donate towards the cost of a family attending. It costs £66 per person for the full 6 session programme and we are looking to cover the costs for 10 family members.

Thank you.

Emma (Director of Calm Connections CIC)