We support the wellbeing of children and young people (aged 7-13) who are finding things tough. We offer one-to-one sessions, and connections to small group activities.
Sessions usually take place in school and are fun and safe spaces to explore what is important and what support is needed. We involve play and creative arts like games, painting and drawing. We link children and young people to helpful groups, services, and activities.
We also support sessions for parents and carers.
How to refer
We are a short-term, early-intervention service which supports Children and Young People (CYP) with their wellbeing and mental health. We can offer up to six one-to-one sessions which, through emotional literacy support and psychoeducation, aim to provide CYP with a safe space to explore what is important to them and what they would like support with.
Once we know what a child or young person might be interested in, we link them up to groups and activities which support them to build their confidence, have fun, and meet new people.
Please take a look at the FAQs about the service to determine whether you are able to refer to us.
Parents & Carers
We offer support with topics ranging from navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, to helping your child with anxiety, school, behaviour and sleep. We know trying to cope can feel isolating and complicated.
Our expert partners join us to offer sessions focussed on themes often raised with us. In a safe and friendly space there is information, guidance, a chance to ask questions, and to connect with others over a cuppa.
Thank you to our expert partners: North Star Outreach, Bristol’s School Nursing Team, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, SEND and You, Off The Record, and Kids Matter.
Contact us for more info, email@: katemartey@southmead.org
Inside Out
Inside Out is an initiative delivered by Link Forward for ages 7-13.
Knowing how to get through tricky times and bounce back is important for children’s health and happiness. We offer a whole host of ideas about how to cope with stress, stay relaxed, discover strengths, reach out to others, and keep on top of things when life gets tough. A block of sessions runs over five weeks.
After you have signed up your child, we will be in touch to offer more information and to discuss how best to support your child.
Location: Greenway Centre, BS10 5PY
Wellbeing Pottery - one of our referral activity groups
Wellbeing Pottery is one of the Trust’s referral activity groups for children and young people’s wellbeing. It has been the region’s only Arts-on-Referral initiative for this age group since 2021.
It is designed to support the personal, emotional and social needs of
vulnerable children and young people across North and West Bristol, and has so far worked with around 100 families.
Read the evaluation of one of our ten week programmes HERE
Who can be referred?
Link Forward offers support to Children and Young People (CYP) facing the greatest health inequalities in North Bristol. We currently accept referrals for CYP attending any of the schools listed below. We are also able to support CYP who do not attend one of the eligible schools but who live in Southmead.
Primary schools
- Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy
- Blaise Primary School
- Brentry Primary School
- Filton Avenue Primary School
- Fonthill Primary Academy
- Henbury Court Primary Academy
- Horfield CofE Primary School
- Little Mead Primary Academy
- Sea Mills Primary School
- Stoke Park Primary School
- St Ursula’s E-ACT Academy
- Upper Horfield Community School
- Westbury on Trym CofE Academy
Secondary schools
- Blaise High School
- Bristol Free School
- Fairfield High School
- Orchard School Bristol
- Trinity Academy
My school is not listed
We are always open to discussions about how further capacity could be funded. If you would like to talk about what this might look like for your school please contact our Services Manager, Vicky Wall, on vickywall@southmead.org
What can you support children and young people with?
We work with Children and Young People with the following needs:
- Social isolation
- A Young Carer or living with someone with physical/mental health needs
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Managing a life change e.g. parental separation, school move
We cannot accept referrals for young people who are currently receiving support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), on a CAMHS waiting list or those who are in crisis.
If you would like to discuss whether a child is eligible, please contact Kate Martey on katemartey@southmead.org
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