WHAT WE DO
We help London children who are struggling with complex disadvantage, to feel included, adventurous, proud and successful – often for the first time in a long time.
Using outdoor adventures, intensive time alongside attuned adults and structures that help to build friendships and social skills, we work with children for as long as they need to build their confidence and better see their skills and talents. In turn, this work helps them to change their stories about who they are, and what they are capable of.
the need for our work
100% of children working with us are from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds, including living with parents with addiction or mental health difficulties, facing homelessness, acting as young carers or living in poverty.
37% have a history of, or concerns around, potential abuse or neglect.
93% are experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties.
54% are either at risk of, or have experienced, an exclusion from school, or have been the subject of a referral to Social Services in the last year.
Repeated adverse experiences change the way children think about themselves and their place in the world. Over time, many become used to feeling excluded, rejected and different from their peers and their sense of what they are able to achieve narrows and dims. These children need intensive positive support and nurture in order to develop a healthier story about themselves and rebuild the confidence, self-esteem and belief in their own potential that are the building blocks of future mental health.
“The best thing about Free to Be Kids is the trips and the fun. I feel like I get a break from home. It’s quite stressful at home – we don’t have much space and there’s loads of us. At Free to Be Kids, there’s lots of space and so you can get things out of your head.”
Mason, age 11
“I’d 110% recommend Free to Be Kids to other families. Every one of the staff and volunteers was so, so nice. They took my Saffy under their wings and she felt loved and cared for. She felt like she was with family.”
Saffron’s mum
“We learn a lot of valuable life lessons, especially with situations where you’re scared or anxious, because the activities are purposely there to help you go through the emotions and think, in the future, “Oh, I handled that by doing this!” It kinda helps you think about how to cope if you get into tough situations.”
Lauren, age 15
