Million-Krone Grant to Strengthen Children’s Mental Health in Schools

Kavli Trust has awarded NOK 2.4 million to Place2Be for a school-based mental health support programme in North East England. Rising mental health challenges among children, high levels of poverty in communities, and long waiting lists for public services make the need for school-based interventions urgent.

Place2Be is the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity, with more than 30 years of experience working in schools. The purpose of the programme, Building Mentally Healthy Schools, is to improve mental health and wellbeing for children in underserved communities through an early intervention and a whole school approach that involve pupils, parents, and teachers.

Support where the need is greatest

Kavli Trust’s grant will extend Place2Be’s presence in ten primary schools in areas of North East England struggling with deprivation and child poverty.

The funding fully covers the role of a Family Practitioner, who works across all ten schools to support children and parents. It also enables schools to offer a wide range interventions , including one-to-one and self-referral sessions, class and group work on issues like friendships, transitions, and emotional regulation. Children who have experienced trauma will have access to Journey of Hope, a group programme aimed at developing resilience and self-confidence in children.

Over the next three years, the project aims to reach around 4,000 children aged 5–11 across ten schools in Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland. Parents and teachers will also benefit from tailored guidance and training programmes.

"With support from Kavli Trust, we’re able to deepen our work with children, teachers and parents in communities across the North East of England. This funding will help us improve the mental health and wellbeing across school communities, ensuring children have the resilience and support they need to thrive,” says Jacqui Segal, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Place2Be.

“Place2Be’s work is at the very heart of the Kavli Trust’s mission. This project combines early intervention, inclusive education, and sustainable solutions to strengthen children and young people’s mental health where the need is greatest,” says Ingrid Paasche, CEO of Kavli Trust.

Research-based, long-term impact

Place2Be has published several research studies showing lasting improvements in children’s mental health following school-based therapy.

An economic analysis by Pro Bono Economics – a UK charity that helps nonprofits measure their social impact – found that every £1 invested in Place2Be’s services generates £8 in long-term economic and social value.

“This is not just about immediate help, but about investing in children’s futures. By strengthening schools as arenas for mental health support, Place2Be contributes to lasting change for children and communities – and we are very proud to support this work,” Paasche adds.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

• Place2Be is a leading UK nonprofit with more than 30 years of experience in children’s mental health in schools.
• Kavli Trust has awarded NOK 2.4 million to the Mental Health Support program to strengthen and expand Place2Be’s work in ten primary schools in North East England.
• The project targets communities facing high child poverty and long waits for public mental health services.
• The funding enables the Family Practitioner role and additional support measures for children. The program is based on a holistic model involving pupils, parents, and teachers.
• Around 4,000 children aged 5–11 will benefit during the project period (2025–2028).