Support our BBC Lifeline Appeal
Watch our appeal to discover how Anna Freud's approach to mental health care has transformed the lives of children, young people, and their families.
See the difference your support makes
Our BBC Lifeline Appeal spotlights those who have been supported by or helped shape our innovative mental health care for children, young people and families. From developing specialist support and research in collaboration with young people to providing vital help in schools, it shows how we’re transforming the mental health and wellbeing of the next generation.
Watch our appeal to hear Kayden, Sarah and Thea’s stories, presented by Dr Alex George.
Why we need your help
One in five children and young people in England has a probable mental health disorder, and the number of children and young people in contact with mental health services has more than doubled since 2018.
We’re here to close that gap. By taking a holistic approach - led by the latest evidence and guided by lived experience – we expand our understanding, develop better care and equip all who impact children and young people’s lives with the tools to support their mental health.
With this approach, and your support, we will ensure all children, young people and families get the right support at the right time.
Watch and donate to our appeal to help us provide this essential support. Your help will change children and young people’s lives across the UK.
Presented by Dr Alex George
Hello, I’m Dr Alex George and I’m very proud to support Anna Freud’s BBC Lifeline Appeal.
As the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador, I’m dedicated to raising awareness of the issues young people are facing today and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing. This means Anna Freud’s ambition to ensure children and young people get the right support at the right time resonates deeply with me.
During the pandemic, I worked with this incredible charity to help schools and colleges become more mentally healthy. With requests from young people for mental health services continuing to rise, it’s more important now than ever to provide evidence-based help at the earliest possible stage. Everything Anna Freud does – from training and trauma-informed specialist support to innovative research and resources – is focused on this aim.
Please give your support today and help Anna Freud build better wellbeing for the next generation.
Kayden, Sarah and Thea's stories
Kayden, Sarah and Thea have generously shared their experience of mental health challenges for our BBC Lifeline Appeal, and how Anna Freud has made a difference to their lives. Read their stories below.
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Kayden's story
Kayden shares his experience of the Pears Family School. Founded and sponsored by Anna Freud, the school helps children with emotional and behavioural difficulties return to the educatio...
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Sarah's story
Through the UK Trauma Council (UKTC), an Anna Freud project, Sarah has shared her own experiences to improve support for children and young people dealing with the impacts of trauma.
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Thea's story
After attending a school where she experienced a highly competitive and pressurised culture, Thea developed anxiety and depression. She is now an Anna Freud Young Champion, helping to sh...
We need your help
Watch our appeal and donate today.
Watch and donate to our BBC Lifeline AppealDouble your donation
Two long-term supporters of Anna Freud will match every pound raised by our appeal up to a maximum of £20,000. This means your donation to our appeal could have double the impact and helps us raise even more funds. With your help, we can build the mental wellbeing of the next generation.