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Anna Freud

We're a pioneering mental health charity transforming care for children and young people through science, collaboration and clinical innovation.

We focus on discovery, delivering compassionate support, and sharing our knowledge widely.

Transforming mental health for young people

1 in 5 young people in England are estimated to have a mental health condition*. At Anna Freud we’ve led the way in reimagining mental health care for more than 70 years. Join us in building a future where every young person receives the right support at the right time.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing stories about turning evidence into action to support the mental health of children, young people and families. This year’s theme is ‘action’, focusing on the steps we can take to support good mental health.

Throughout the week, we’ll be publishing Q&As with colleagues involved in projects that show how research, clinical expertise and lived experience are shaping real-world change.

Read our first blog on how the Linking Loss project is improving mental health support following early pregnancy loss.

Read the blog

How we can help you

  • Training and events for mental health professionals

    Our expert-led training builds skills and empowers mental health professionals to deliver timely and effective support for children, young people and their families.

    Read moreTraining and events for mental health professionals
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  • School and college support services

    Our breadth of support and resources for schools and colleges helps education professionals to build an inclusive and holistic approach to mental health.

    Read moreSchool and college support services
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  • Bespoke clinical support

    We create practical, tailored support to strengthen local systems and enhance wellbeing services to improve mental health support for children, young people and their families.

    Read moreBespoke clinical support
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  • UK Trauma Council

    The UK Trauma Council is an Anna Freud project, which creates evidence-based resources to equip adults supporting children and young people exposed to trauma.

    Read moreUK Trauma Council
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  • Measuring mental health outcomes

    The Child Outcomes Research Consortium is an Anna Freud project. It collates evidence and measures mental health outcomes for effective child-centred support, services and systems.

    Read moreMeasuring mental health outcomes
    A smiling male teacher stands over supervising a group of happy children who are working on whiteboards and digital tablets.

  • Autism Central

    England's Peer Education Programme for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages. Access free resources, one-to-one peer support, and group learning events.

    Read moreAutism Central
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Upcoming training courses

View all upcoming training

The Anna Freud newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, research, events and fundraising activities.

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Anna Freud Crisis Messenger

The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope.

If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.

AFC Crisis Messenger

With special thanks to:

*Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2023 - wave 4 follow up to the 2017 survey - NHS England Digital