Kids charity receives funding for therapy project

A charity has received funding to offer therapeutic support to help vulnerable children overcome trauma with the aim of reducing future harm.

The KidsAid Foundation, based in Northampton, has been awarded £10,000 from the office of Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC), for 120 specialist one-to-one therapy sessions as part of its Breaking the Cycle project.

The support will be available for any child aged two to 18 who is thought to be at risk of exploitation, antisocial behaviour and offending.

Kerry Mainwaring, the charity's development manager, said the funding would give the children "the opportunity to be heard, understood and supported to heal".

The charity, which has been running for 19 years, offers support to anyone impacted by domestic abuse, neglect, bereavement, family breakdown and illness.

The charity said its Breaking the Cycle programme had been developed in response to rising demand for specialist trauma services and increasing evidence linking childhood trauma to poor mental health, exploitation and antisocial or criminal behaviour.

The charity said children can be referred to the programme through their schools, police, social care services and community organisations.

Danielle Stone, the Labour PFCC, said: "KidsAid has an exceptional track record of supporting children and families across Northamptonshire.

"Projects such as Breaking the Cycle make a real difference by tackling issues early, supporting families and helping create safer, stronger communities."

Mainwaring said: "We know that children don't always have the words to explain what they have been through.

"Trauma can affect how children feel, behave and relate to the world around them, and without the right support, its impact can be devastating, affecting a child's wellbeing, relationships and future.

"Through creative therapy, children can express things they may not be able to put into words, helping them understand their emotions, rebuild their confidence, and begin to move forward, rather than allowing their experiences to define their future."

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