In recent years, early intervention for primary aged children has been getting the attention it deserves, preventing problems occuring, or tackling them head on when they do. It also helps to grow personal strengths and skills that help prepare a child as they journey into adulthood.
At The Mix, Stowmarket, we believe wholeheartedly that early intervention is a vital part of healthy child development. We want to help children overcome difficulties ranging from anxiety, anger, low self-esteem and resilience and to instead face a future of greenlights and possibilities. That’s why we’re excited to have a team of committed volunteers, equipped with the skills they need to help one child at a time.
Why we exist: It’s never been more important to offer children early intervention. Worrying statistics show that one in six children in the UK feel unable to cope with the school day, and almost two thirds say they worry “all the time”. One in nine 5 -19 year olds struggle with an emotional disorder such as sadness, anxiety or low self-esteem. A poll commissioned in 2022 by children's mental health charity Place2Be found that 95% of UK schools had witnessed increased levels of pupil anxiety since the start of the school year in contrast to a normal autumn term before the pandemic.
What we offer: One hour a week to one child for one year.
Each of our trained Empower mentors give one hour a week for a full academic year to one child in year five or six, offering them the time and support that they need to thrive in areas such as self-esteem and emotional regulation.
Our mentors meet with pupils in their primary school, being a trusted adult in a safe space. They bring with them a range of excellent and engaging resources designed to look at each individual child's needs and target support to where it is most needed.
The results speak for themselves! Running since May 2021, Empower (formally Greenlights) have gone from strength to strength. In 2022/2023, our 23 volunteers gave nearly 900 hours of volunteering, supporting 29 children in 11 primary schools. This totals really 1700 hours of support since the programme first started.
How much does it cost? We know that money is tight for schools. Our cost to schools is just £49 per academic year per pupil, to contribute to resources.
What next? If you would like more information about who we are, how we work or how to apply for a mentor to work with a pupil, please contact us below:
Key Contact
Esther
If you have any queries regarding mentoring or partnerships, please contact Janie on janie@themixstowmarket.co.uk.
