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WHAT WE BELIEVE
At With Kids we believe in improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children so that each and every child can flourish. When we get this right, children have more opportunities to thrive – in school, in their families, in friendships, in their activities and in their futures. All of our work is rooted in relationship, strengths-based and is child centred. We recognise that all families, regardless of background, can experience difficulties and we aims to provide a safe space to support children and their parents/carers through difficult times – and make sure every child gets what they need for healthy development.
Central to our work is the belief that all families given the right support can live to the best of their abilities in the way that is most appropriate to them. Our work aims to empower children and families and help provide the tools that enable them to do this
With Kids is based on a preventative approach that involves early intervention, working in tandem with children, families, community, education and other agencies to enable the best life chances possible.
At With Kids we believe in supporting children and parents to have increased confidence & self-esteem, to enjoy relationships together and to look forward to a brighter future.
OUR HISTORY
With Kids was founded by Tricia Hughes who was co-founder of the Big Issue in Scotland. The magazine included a variety of services to help support people through homelessness. Over time it was realised that for many this simply wasn’t enough. Research discovered a number of vendors had suffered adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) such as trauma and abuse. For many these early difficulties continued to affect them and they struggled to break free from a cycle of mental & physical health issues, addiction, debt, poverty and homelessness.
2008: WITH KIDS
Tricia retrained as a Play Therapist and set up With Kids in Glasgow’s east end in 2008. The charity was aimed at alleviating present (and future) mental and physical health conditions by offering early intervention to nursery and primary school children. Play Therapy was used to help children manage adverse experiences by providing a safe space for them to process their emotions and manage more effectively at home and school. Practical and emotional support was also offered to parent, carers and the wider family. Our work aimed to be flexible and listen to the needs of the family and tailor support where needed. This approach enabled families from a variety of backgrounds to engage with With Kids in a way that was most appropriate to them.
WITH KIDS TODAY
Today With Kids has grown to include a variety of services in our centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh and multiple schools. We work in many areas over Scotland, with some of the highest levels of deprivation. As well as our work with families we also support teachers and other professionals working with children with bespoke training and deliver a Masters in Play Therapy in collaboration with Queen Margaret University. Still central to our work is the belief that all families given the right support can live to the best of their abilities in the way that is most appropriate to them. Our work aims to empower children and families and help provide the tools that enable them to do this