UP-Unlocking Potential

🌟 Join our team! Unlocking Potential is looking for passionate individuals to fill the following vacancies: 🔹 Therapy Team Manager (Brent) 🔹 Therapy Team Manager (Southwark) 🔹 Class Teacher (SEN/SEMH) 🔹Lead Teacher (SEN/SEMH)- Maternity Cover 🔹Teaching Assistants (SEMH) If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, visit our website to learn more about these rewarding opportunities and apply now: https://lnkd.in/drtMe5b7 . . . #JobOpportunity #JoinOurTeam #UnlockingPotential

It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay, and we have a serious question to ask: Why are so many of our children struggling? In 2022, 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 were identified as having a probable mental health disorder—a staggering increase from 1 in 9 in 2017. That means more children are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, and facing emotional battles that they’re not equipped to handle. So, what’s driving this alarming rise? The world has changed. Children today are growing up in an environment shaped by academic pressure, the pervasive influence of social media, and economic uncertainty—all of which place enormous stress on their mental wellbeing. In our schools, there are children dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and often, there’s no safety net to catch them. Without access to timely support, these struggles are left to escalate, often resulting in long-term issues that persist into adulthood. And the impact is devastating: not just in the here and now, but on their futures. Without the right intervention, children with untreated mental health challenges are more likely to face educational difficulties, relationship breakdowns, and diminished life prospects. This is where we come in. We are working tirelessly to change this narrative by providing early, evidence-based interventions that support children and their families when they need it most. We’re building programmes that go beyond diagnosis and labels—programmes that recognise every child’s potential and are focused on giving them the tools to cope, thrive, and build resilience. Mental health issues should never define a child’s life. But that’s the reality for so many of the children we work with. That’s why our mission is to intervene early and effectively—before these challenges shape the course of their future. We believe in a society where mental health is prioritised, where children are supported before they’re labelled, and where every child can grow up healthy, hopeful, and strong. Because our children deserve better. And we’re here to make that happen. . . . #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildrensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #Wellbeing #Support #EarlyIntervention #WMHD24

Ricky’s story is one of unimaginable bravery and resilience. In 2017, he was one of over 250 First Responders[CO1]  to the tragic Grenfell Tower fire. That night, Ricky was forced to make life-altering decisions as he and his fellow firefighters battled against unimaginable odds. His decision to leave someone behind in order to save others has haunted him ever since. Ricky was deeply affected by the trauma of that night, suffering from PTSD in the years that followed, a struggle he candidly shared in a recent interview with the BBC. In his interview, Ricky Nuttall opened up about the guilt and pain he carried for years, and the emotional toll it took on his mental health. His story shines a light on the often-overlooked mental health struggles of first responders, and the profound impact of collective trauma, where an event impacts both individuals but also those around them. At his lowest point, Ricky came to Unlocking Potential, where he found the support he needed through our Parent Programme[CO2] . Together, we helped him rebuild his confidence in himself as a father and restore his relationship with his son. Ricky’s journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability, healing, and hope. He now uses his voice as a mental health advocate to inspire others, and his message of "Strength in Vulnerability" continues to resonate with so many. We are incredibly proud to announce that Ricky Nuttall, former firefighter and mental health advocate, is now our first ambassador at Unlocking Potential. Ricky’s courage in sharing his story and his commitment to helping others makes him a true inspiration, and we couldn’t be more honoured to have him as an ambassador for Unlocking Potential. His role with UP will allow him to further raise awareness around mental health and the importance of finding strength in vulnerability, especially for those going through similar struggles. We are proud to have Ricky working alongside us. His bravery, both on the frontlines and in his personal journey, is a testament to the importance of giving and receiving support in times of need. Ricky’s story is a reminder that even in those moments when it feels like you're completely alone and the weight of it all is unbearable, you're not. The pain is real, the struggle is real, but there’s strength in knowing that others have been there too, and together, we can find a way to push through—even when it feels impossible. Welcome to the UP team, Ricky. We know you’ll continue to inspire countless lives as you have done already. #MentalHealthAdvocate #UnlockingPotential #StrengthInVulnerability #PTSDRecovery #GrenfellTower #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #Inspiration #ParentingSupport

We have joined a coalition of charities backing the roadmap to universal wellbeing measurement. Children's wellbeing is in crisis, and while UP and all organisations alike, strive to improve on data design, collection and analysis year on year, a universal measure of wellbeing will support individual organisational data to speak more effectively to meta level issues that affect society as a whole - better data is essential to understanding how we improve children's lives. Pro Bono Economics have published a report, ‘Charting a happier course for England's Children: The case for universal wellbeing measurement’  that reflects the declining state of Children’s wellbeing over the last decade. Following the publication of this report, we know: ◾ The wellbeing of children and young people in the UK is the lowest in Europe. ◾ 197,000 young people left secondary school with low wellbeing in 2022. ◾ The number of children and young people in the UK who report having low wellbeing has increased from fewer than one in six in 2015 to one in four in 2022. And the pace of decline is significant. To address this growing crisis, we must gain deeper insight into its root causes, and a universal wellbeing measurement is a key step toward making that possible. 👉 Follow the link to read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eBX5M8qr #ChildrensWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #WellbeingMeasurement #YouthWellbeing #BetterDataBetterLives #SocialImpact #UniversalWellbeing

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Every year, millions around the world come together to raise awareness about how we can create a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide. Though progress has been made, the numbers are still heartbreakingly high. In 2022 alone, 5,284 people in England tragically lost their lives to suicide. At Unlocking Potential, we believe in the power of early intervention and compassionate support. Every person struggling with suicidal thoughts deserves to know that recovery is possible, and they are not alone. We stand together with communities and organisations worldwide, raising awareness and starting the vital conversations that can save lives. Recognising the signs of someone struggling is the first step toward offering hope, support, and recovery. No one should ever feel they’re alone. Together, we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7, or scroll above for other contacts. Let’s break the silence, open the conversation, and remind each other that hope and help are always within reach. 🌍💚 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #UnlockingPotential #SupportMatters #HopeAndHealing #PreventSuicide

Stand Together for Children’s Mental Health and Education 💚 We are proud to have co-signed a letter to Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Education, urging the Government to address the urgent mental health crisis that is contributing to the attendance crisis in schools across the UK. With 1.6 million children persistently missing school, the situation is dire, and it disproportionately affects children from marginalised backgrounds and those struggling with their mental health. The correlation between mental health challenges and school absence is clear – these children are more likely to miss school, fall behind, and feel disconnected. At Unlocking Potential, we know the immense difference that mental health support can make. One-to-one counselling in schools has been shown to reduce persistent absenteeism by 18.5%, giving children the chance to re-engage with learning, build confidence, and feel included in their school community. That’s why we are calling on the Government to: ◾ Prioritise mental health and wellbeing in every school as part of a whole-school approach to inclusion ◾ Expand access to SEND support and expert mental health provision both in schools and the wider community ◾ Equip schools to better identify and address the root causes of absence, including mental health difficulties, early on Our work at Unlocking Potential focuses on supporting children who face trauma and mental health challenges, ensuring they get the care and attention they need to overcome barriers and thrive in their learning environments. We see first-hand how addressing mental health issues early can transform a child’s future, and we believe that no child should be left behind because of a lack of support. We are proud to stand alongside 43 other organisations in this call for change. Together, we can build a future where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. 💬 Please share this post to raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children across the country.   Read the full letter and list of signatories here: https://lnkd.in/esJXBk5b Place2Be #MentalHealthMatters #UnlockingPotential #SchoolAttendanceCrisis #EveryChildCounts #SupportOurChildren #SchoolForAll #BreakTheBarriers #MentalHealthSupport #HopeForOurChildren

At UP we believe in a world where every person can be proud of who they are, a world where everyone can openly be their true selves and can feel safe, valued and loved. Pride is about embracing yourself for who you are and loving yourself fully. To our staff, our supporters and all those who celebrate, we want to wish you a Happy Pride Month! This is the perfect time to celebrate and support all LGBTQIA+ identities. While this is a time for celebration, Pride can be a difficult time for those who have not always felt supported on their own journey and this can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of these individuals. As we are committed to show our unity with those within the community, we urge you to do the same. Love knows no boundaries, and neither does our support. This Pride Month, we stand with every child, adult and family embracing their true selves. 🌈 . . . #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #LoveIsLove #EqualityForAll #InclusionMatters #PrideCommunity #PrideUnity

Do you have a background in fundraising and have a passion for supporting children with mental health, or do you know someone who is? We are looking for a dedicated Fundraising Officer who can help us as we continue to better the mental health support we provide to vulnerable children. With your support, we can help these children reach their full potential and have the life they deserve. 🔹 Fundraising Officer If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, visit the charity job ad linked below, or visit our website to learn more about these rewarding opportunities and apply now: https://lnkd.in/drtMe5b7 . . . . https://lnkd.in/eVqKu8UA #JobOpportunity #JoinOurTeam #UnlockingPotential #Fundraising #SEMH #SEMHneeds #Mentalhealth #support

📣 Last chance to join our team who are passionate about making an impact in the lives of children. The following vacancies are available: 💎 Therapy Team Manager (Brent) 💎 Therapy Team Manager (Wandsworth) Visit our website to learning more about these exciting opportunities and how to apply! https://lnkd.in/drtMe5b7 #JoinOurTeam #charity #jobopportunity #unlockingpotential

Children of today need you. As the number of young people with mental health conditions only continues to rise, urgent action is needed. With each donation, you're empowering children to overcome trauma, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. Together, we can rewrite their stories of struggle and provide hope for the future. There are 6 days left to go of the Kind2Mind campaign. Donate now to DOUBLE what you can give and be a hero in their journey. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/eFKzhsvb #SEMH #Donate #Kind2Mind #ChangeLives