A bit about Anna Freud

Nearly one million children and young people were referred to Children and Adult Mental Health Services in 2023 (Children’s Commissioner 2024).

Children and young people are currently facing a perfect storm of challenges that negatively affect their mental health. Factors including poverty, trauma, academic pressure, membership of marginalised groups and the impact of the Covid pandemic all play a part.

Anna Freud exists to ensure all children and young people get the help they need at the right time. We They listen to and learn from children and young people and, for over 70 years, have worked with them to build better solutions and amplify their voices to aid better understanding of mental health conditions.

We Anna Freud also provide therapy to children and young people, andpeople and work directly with the trusted adults in their lives - from parents and carers, to teachers, social workers and mental health professionals - to design and scale up approaches that meet the wellbeing needs of young people.

Together, we will transform the mental wellbeing of this and the next generation. Let’s

empower children, young people, and the millions of adults supporting them.

“I can’t express how much this experience has changed my life and I can’t thank you enough. It was the best possible outcome I could have got.” - Alex, 14, who received 1:1 intervention from Anna Freud.

The Challenge

On World Children’s Day (20th November) we’re taking on a cycling challenge in our offices to raise funds for Children’s mental health.

The Tour dDe Gleeds Bike Challenge will be in partnership with Lifestyle Fitness (Vibe) who are providing Watt Bikes for a ‘bike challenge’ that will take us (collectively and virtually) from Manchester to the headquarters of Anna Freud – we don’t need to worry about the weather and everyone can do their bit (@ a distance that works for them).

We have tried to find an original and inclusive idea to get as many of our Northern team, and wider consultant network together – at our offices in Manchester to raise funds for our Charity Partner.

The event will be fun but ultimately a challenge for our participants whatever their level of fitness or experience in Cycling.

£25 could contribute towards a group therapy session for young people. So, we ask you all to dig deep in support of this amazing charity and a cause close to many hearts in 2024 in the build-up and what should be a tough day for our team and partners during November.