The Difference Early Support Can Make

Sometimes the impact of early mental health support isn’t something that can be measured in just a few weeks.

In early 2024, 16-year-old “L” was referred to The Matthew Hackney Foundation at a time when she was struggling with very low moods, anxiety and self-harm.

Through the Foundation, L was able to access more than 18 counselling sessions with Kate, giving her a safe and consistent space to talk, work through what she was experiencing and learn coping techniques.

L recently shared:

“When I started seeing Kate I was struggling with very low moods, anxiety and self harming and throughout my time with her, my mental health has improved significantly. I found having someone to talk to and receiving coping techniques extremely helpful. I have just completed my GCSEs and am in such a better place thanks to Kate xxx”

After the initial Foundation-funded counselling came to an end, L and her family chose to continue working with Kate privately throughout Years 10 and 11.

Kate has seen an enormous change in the young person she first met:

“L is a very different teenager to the young person I first met in 2024. It has been incredibly rewarding to see her grow in confidence, develop her resilience and navigate the challenges of her teenage years.”

And there was a wonderful ending to this chapter of L’s story. Shortly after completing her GCSEs, she messaged Kate to tell her that she had passed every single one.

This is why early intervention matters.

The Matthew Hackney Foundation was there at a crucial point when L needed support. Those first funded counselling sessions gave her the opportunity to begin therapy, build coping strategies and start moving forward.

We are incredibly proud of L and everything she has achieved. And we are very grateful to Kate — and Tilly, her much-loved therapy Labrador, who was also part of L’s counselling journey! 🐾💚

The lovely Tilly, Kates therapy dog

This is what your donations help make possible.

By supporting The Matthew Hackney Foundation, you help us provide children and young people with free, timely mental health support — giving them somewhere to turn before difficulties have the chance to escalate.