FAQ – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Some of our services and training may have associated fees. However, funding support and partnership options are available to help cover costs.

There are many ways to support us, including donations, fundraising, volunteering, or partnering with schools and other organisations.

In cases of immediate danger, please:

• Call 999
• Contact local children’s social care
• Follow safeguarding procedures

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.