FAQ – The Life Matters Charity

1. What is The Life Matters charity?
   The Life Matters is a UK charity focused on preventing self-harm and suicide in children and young people. We provide early intervention, programmes, and training for children, families, schools, and professionals. Through our licensed programmes, the charity holds a Child’s Voice Licence.

2. Who does The Life Matters charity support?
   We support:

   • Children and young people (8–18 years old)

   • Parents, carers, and families

   • Schools, health, social care, and frontline professionals
     Our focus is on prevention and early-stage emotional distress.

3. What kind of support is available for young people?
   We provide one-to-one early intervention through the A Child’s Voice® 10-Week Programme. This trauma-informed, child-centred approach focuses on resilience, emotional regulation, and safe connections. It helps young people build self-esteem, coping strategies, and protective factors. The programme also includes collaborative safety planning when needed.

4. What is the A Child’s Voice® 10-Week Programme?
   The A Child’s Voice® 10-Week Programme is a specialised early intervention programme designed for young people experiencing emotional distress. It focuses on trauma-informed, child-centred care, helping to improve resilience and emotional regulation, while creating safe connections and developing self-esteem.

5. Is the support provided confidential?
   Yes, all support provided is confidential. We follow safeguarding procedures if a child is at risk, and the child will be involved in the process wherever possible.

6. What support and training is available for parents, carers, and professionals?
   We take a whole-family approach, providing guidance, practical strategies, and communication support for parents and carers.
   For professionals, we offer:

   • Training for schools to deliver 1-to-1 targeted support for children at risk

   • A whole-school approach (PHSE) to embed emotional wellbeing, resilience, and safeguarding

   • Designated Safeguarding Lead Programme for professionals, designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively

7. How can schools and professionals get trained to deliver support for children?
   We provide training for schools and professionals, including:

   • How to deliver one-to-one targeted support for children at risk

   • A whole-school approach (PHSE) to incorporate emotional wellbeing and resilience

   • The Designated Safeguarding Lead Programme for professionals to develop expertise in safeguarding practices.

8. How can I refer a young person to The Life Matters charity?
   Referrals can be made by schools, social services, healthcare providers, GPs (via the Joy App), parents, carers, or self-referrals. Our referral process is simple and supportive.

9. Is there a cost for the services and training provided?
   Some of our services and training may have associated fees. However, funding support and partnership options are available to help cover costs.

10. How can I support The Life Matters charity?
    There are many ways to support us, including donations, fundraising, volunteering, or partnering with schools and other organisations.

11. What should I do if a child is in immediate danger?
    In cases of immediate danger, please:

    • Call 999

    • Contact local children’s social care

    • Follow safeguarding procedures

12. How is The Life Matters charity licensed to deliver its programmes?
    Through our licensed programmes, the charity holds a Child’s Voice Licence, which allows us to deliver tailored support and training to children, families, and professionals in a safe, regulated manner.