Programmes
A Child’s Voice®
A Child’s Voice® is our early-intervention programme designed to help children understand their emotions, build coping skills and feel supported.
Why the model is different
The licensed A Child’s Voice Model, delivered by The Life Matters Charity, is a specialist 10‑week early intervention programme focused on the prevention of self-harm and suicide in children and young people.
The model is distinctive because it combines clinical research, safeguarding practice, and lived experience into a structured programme designed specifically for use within schools, community, and professional settings. Co‑designed with children and young people, alongside schools, mental health teams, and safeguarding professionals, the programme bridges the gap between mental health support and frontline safeguarding practice in a way that, to our knowledge, is not currently replicated elsewhere in the UK.
Participation is centred on informed consent from the child or young person, with family engagement encouraged as a key protective factor. Where family involvement is limited, schools and professionals remain actively involved to ensure consistent safeguarding and support around the child.
The programme includes:
- A robust safety planning framework
- Suicide and self-harm prevention intervention
- Emotional wellbeing and resilience‑building strategies
- Structured safeguarding and risk‑reduction support
- Practical tools for professionals working with vulnerable children and young people
Evaluation outcomes from the programme demonstrate:
- A 95% reduction in suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviours
- Zero recorded suicide attempts during programme delivery
The A Child’s Voice Model also supports schools and professionals in meeting safeguarding responsibilities, strengthening early intervention pathways, and aligning with Ofsted and wider child protection and wellbeing standards.
Youth Ambassadors
A space for young people to shape our work, share lived experience, and help design resources that speak in real language.
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Workshops
Practical sessions for children, school staff and families that focus on emotional wellbeing, communication and resilience.
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Ongoing support
Follow-up guidance for schools and families to help keep progress going between sessions and beyond.
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Recogonised by The BBC
Our work has been recognised by BBC Radio Kent through its Making a Difference programme, reflecting the positive impact our charity and the dedication behind our mission
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