Thank You to the Summerfield Charitable Trust
Two-Thirds of the Way Through Our Summerfield-Funded Wellbeing Programme
Headspace is delighted to share an update on our Summerfield Charitable Trust-funded Wellbeing Programme, which is now two-thirds of the way through delivery.
The programme, which began at Easter 2026 and continues until the end of 2026, is supporting children and young people across the North Cotswolds whose school attendance has been significantly affected by mental health challenges. Thanks to the generous support of the Summerfield Charitable Trust, we are able to provide consistent, early intervention at a time when many young people and their families are struggling to access the support they need.
The need for this programme was identified through our close partnership with The Cotswold School, which highlighted growing concerns about the number of young people unable to attend school because of anxiety, low mood and other emotional challenges. This has been reinforced by feedback from parents attending our parenting groups, many of whom have described the fear, isolation and helplessness they experience when their child is unable to engage with education.
Our Wellbeing Programme offers a safe, welcoming and non-clinical environment where young people can rebuild confidence, improve emotional wellbeing and develop strategies to manage everyday challenges. Sessions are delivered in small groups, allowing participants to build trusted relationships with both staff and peers while progressing at a pace that feels right for them.
Headspace delivers the programme through a combination of employed staff and specialist sessional practitioners, enabling us to tailor activities to the needs of each group. Sessions include a range of therapeutic and wellbeing activities such as mindfulness, outdoor learning, creative arts, gardening, cooking and other practical experiences that encourage connection, confidence and resilience.
One young person who attended the programme said:
"Before coming to Headspace, I didn't feel able to leave the house or talk to anyone my age. The sessions helped me feel less alone and more confident about trying to go back into school."
The programme will deliver 52 wellbeing sessions during 2026. As we move into the final phase of delivery, we are already seeing the positive difference that regular, early intervention can make for young people who have become isolated from education and for the families supporting them. Progress is measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), alongside attendance data, practitioner observations and feedback from young people and parents.
This programme has also been made possible through the generosity of our local community, with funds raised through our Christmas Auction complementing the Summerfield Charitable Trust's grant. Together, this support is helping us provide life-changing opportunities for young people at a critical point in their lives.
As we enter the final third of the programme, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Summerfield Charitable Trust for believing in our vision and investing in the mental health and wellbeing of young people across the North Cotswolds. Their support is helping young people reconnect with their education, rebuild confidence and take positive steps towards a brighter future.