Commissioning Summary

A Child’s Voice® – 10-Week Suicide Prevention Programme

Delivered by The Life Matters
Across Medway, Kent and the UK

The Need

The Life Matters was established in 2021 in response to the growing crisis of children at risk of self-harm and suicide across Medway.

Demand for early intervention continues to rise across Kent and nationally across the United Kingdom.

Children are struggling in silence. Services are stretched. Prevention must happen earlier.

A Child’s Voice® was created to meet that need.

The Programme

A Child’s Voice® is a structured, trauma-informed, child-led suicide prevention programme for children and young people aged 8–18.

Delivery Model:

• 10-week programme

• 1 direct 1:1 session per week with the child

• Structured workbook and guided activities

• Suicide safety planning integrated throughout

• Ongoing email and telephone support for the child

• Ongoing support for parents/carers and family members

• Safeguarding oversight and signposting

This is early intervention designed to prevent escalation, reduce risk, and stabilise emotional distress.

Investment

£750 per child

Includes:

• 10 direct sessions

• Full programme materials

• Ongoing child and family support

• Safeguarding oversight

• Outcome monitoring

A cost-effective prevention model reducing escalation into crisis services.

Evidence & Measurable Outcomes

From our most recent cohort (20 children):

• 95% reduction in self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• 100% elimination of suicide attempts during the programme period

Since launch, approximately 60 young people have been supported across three structured cohorts.

Clear evidence from A Child’s Voice® indicates that children often demonstrate cessation of self-harming behaviours and significant reduction in suicidal ideation during or by programme completion.

What Makes This Model Different

A Child’s Voice® was co-designed with children, embedding lived experience into:

• Programme language

• Delivery structure

• Emotional safety framework

• Safeguarding approach

The model bridges clinical research with frontline social work practice and lived experience — creating a prevention-focused intervention rooted in both evidence and reality.

Recognition & Community Impact

The Life Matters has been:

• Recognised by BBC Radio Kent – Making A Difference in The Community

• Nominated for the Pride in Medway Awards 2026

Our work is community-based, prevention-led, and life-saving.

Impact Statement

The Life Matters gives hope to children and young people struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts across Medway, Kent and the UK.

Each life we touch is transformed with:

• Practical coping tools

• Emotional regulation skills

• Increased confidence and resilience

• Stronger family communication

• A personalised safety plan

Even with limited resources, the impact is real and measurable.

With expanded commissioning, we can reach many more children in urgent need nationwide.

Commission With Confidence

By commissioning A Child’s Voice®, you are investing in:

• Suicide prevention

• Early intervention

• Whole-family resilience

• Measurable outcomes

• A child-centred safeguarding model

Every child’s life matters.

Together, we can prevent crisis before it happens.