Welcome to The Life Matters 

 

Supporting Families by Empowering Schools

We recognise the challenges families face when their child is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts and is unable to access other support services. Through our training and direct intervention in schools, we help bridge this gap.

We provide schools with the tools and training they need to identify distress early and intervene effectively, offering both preventative measures and structured support for children in crisis. Our services ensure that families don’t face these challenges alone, empowering schools to play a pivotal role in supporting mental health and well-being.

The Reality: Suicide and Self-Harm in Children

Every year, approximately 200 children in the UK die by suicide, though the true figure is likely higher, as many suicides in children go unreported or misclassified. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for effective, early intervention to prevent these tragedies before they happen.

Children are at significant risk, often struggling in silence, missing the opportunity for early intervention, and reaching a crisis point before they receive support. We exist to change this, providing a safety net for families and schools, ensuring no child is left to face these challenges alone.

Our Founder’s Story

Our founder, Mary, tragically lost her brother Lee to suicide at just 25. This profound loss fuels our mission to help families recognise the signs of distress early and ensure they have the right support before tragedy strikes. Mary's personal experience deeply informs our work, creating a programme designed with compassion and a focus on real, life-changing outcomes.

Our Programme: A Child’s Voice®

A Child’s Voice® is a 10-week, one-on-one early intervention programme designed to support children at risk of self-harm or suicide. Delivered in schools and professional settings, it focuses on suicide prevention and mental health education, offering:

• Clinical research connected to social work practices

• Suicide risk awareness and structured safety planning

• Mental health education to empower children to use their voice

• Awareness through Children’s Youth Ambassadors who promote mental health and safety in schools

Co-designed with Children & Young People
The A Child’s Voice® programme was co-designed with children and young people to ensure that it is both effective and empowering. We have made sure the programme directly reflects the needs, concerns, and voices of the children it aims to support, ensuring it resonates with young people and delivers meaningful impact.

Our Approach: Empowering Schools to Support Children

A Child’s Voice® is a unique programme designed with the needs of children in mind. We train school staff to recognise the signs of distress and deliver the programme effectively, ensuring children get the support they need. Our approach is built on:

• Trauma-informed, strengths-based care

• Accessibility for children with ADHD and autism

• Integration with National School Mental Health Frameworks

By equipping schools with the skills to provide early intervention, we ensure that children have a support system in place, both at school and at home.

Proven Impact

In 2025, the programme achieved:

• 95% reduction in self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• 0 suicide attempts during programme delivery

• 60 children directly supported

• 180+ family members reached

The programme is evaluated using CORC-aligned outcome measures, tracking improvements in well-being, confidence, and help-seeking behaviour.

Recognition & Partnerships

Our founder has been recognised for her exceptional work in mental health and suicide prevention:

• BBC Radio Kent: Making a Difference in the Community

• Pride in Medway Awards 2026: Nominee

• Kent Safeguarding Children’s Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP): Recognised for innovative work in safeguarding children

Her dedication has earned recognition from local media, award bodies, and key safeguarding partnerships.

Our Services

• Provide training to deliver the A Child’s Voice® programme in your school.

• Provide training for school staff to achieve Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) certification to enhance safeguarding practices.

• Provide a ready-made, 10-week PSHE programme for a holistic approach to mental health across your school.

• Provide one-on-one A Child’s Voice® intervention directly in your school, offering tailored support to children at risk.

• Provide training for young people to become mental health ambassadors in your school, fostering peer support and reducing stigma.