At Anna Freud, our vision is a world where all children and young people can achieve their full potential.
A world in which they and their families get support that is designed with their input, available at the right time, and meets their needs, so that they can develop their emotional and mental health.
Book your DfE-fully funded place on our Senior Mental Health Lead training
Book now on our Autumn or Spring dates and claim DfE funding before 31 December 2024.
Book your funded placeOur resources
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For under fives
We have a selection of resources for early years wellbeing including working with babies & young children on digital platforms, coronavirus support, and a 'Bonding with baby' podcast.
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School and college resources
Browse our free mental health resources for those working in primary, secondary and FE settings.
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For children and young people
Our children and young people's wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing. These pages have been co-produced by young...
Our clinical support service
Our online clinical service provides students aged 11-25 with the right support at the right time, preventing mild-to-moderate mental health problems from escalating. With additional, evidence-based help for staff, parents and carers, we help you create a network of support around young people, building foundations for long-term wellbeing.
Register by the end of November to sign up for this academic year.
Our latest news
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How senior mental health lead training is helping schools and colleges to support mental wellbeing
As the 31 December deadline to apply for government-funded senior mental health lead training approaches, we reflect on its impact.
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Six strategies to support students with low mood and anxiety
Supporting student wellbeing is essential. Discover practical strategies and resources to address mental health needs across your school or college community.
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A marker in the sand for acute mental health care
The long-awaited modernisation to the Mental Health Act 1983 is an important step towards better patient care and improved support for marginalised groups.
Anna Freud Crisis Messenger
The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Their service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better.
If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.
Our research
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The HeadStart Learning Programme
The Evidence Based Practice Unit leads the national evaluation of HeadStart. Together with our partners, we evaluate and share learning from the HeadStart programme.
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Education for wellbeing
Explore Education for Wellbeing, England's major mental health intervention trial in schools. Backed by the Department for Education, we assess innovative approaches with Anna Freud, gau...
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The Reflective Fostering Study
A 12-month exploration assessing the impact of the Reflective Fostering Programme on children aged 4-13 in care.
Become our Partner
Collaborations and partnerships are crucial to our research. Our research units and collaborative projects pool expertise around particular priorities or areas of work.
We collaborate with academic institutions to carry out research and we partner with national and international organisations committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and families to maximise our impact.
Upcoming training courses
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Senior Mental Health Lead training
Online training courses for senior mental health leads, helping you develop a sustainable whole-school approach to mental health.
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The Lighthouse MBT Parenting Programme
The Lighthouse Parenting Programme is an evidence-based intervention, underpinned by research in the fields of attachment, child development, trauma, neuroscience and by core psychoanaly...
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Mentalization-Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F)
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to Mentalization-Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F), providing a hands-on exploration of the model's essential elements.
Become a Champion
Our Champions volunteer their time, experience and expertise to contribute to our projects and services, all of which are focused on improving the wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and families.
This can involve things like: supporting us to review our resources, sharing parents'/carer's perspective as part of our training days for mental health professionals, helping out at events and much more.
Sign up to our newsletter
Anna Freud's newsletter provides updates of the latest news, research, events and fundraising activities.
Upcoming conferences and events
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Maternity Services as an Integral Part of Family Hubs
Explore how integrated maternity services can enhance Family Hubs' accessibility, connection, and relationship pillars in this upcoming webinar.
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So What Have We Learned From Our Research Over the Last Year?
Join us as we unpack our key research findings from the last 12 months.
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UK Trauma Council Insight Series - Complex Trauma and the Social World
Join a webinar on how early trauma affects children's relationships and mental health. Learn strategies for recovery from leading experts in the UK Trauma Council series.
