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Anna Freud

We're a pioneering mental health charity transforming care for children and young people through science, collaboration and clinical innovation.

We focus on discovery, delivering compassionate support, and sharing our knowledge widely.

Transforming mental health for young people

1 in 5 young people in the UK are estimated to have a mental health condition*. At Anna Freud we’ve led the way in reimagining mental health care for more than 70 years. Join us in building a future where every young person receives the right support at the right time.

How we can help you

  • Training and events for mental health professionals

    Our expert-led training builds skills and empowers mental health professionals to deliver timely and effective support for children, young people and their families.

    Read moreTraining and events for mental health professionals
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  • School and college support services

    Our breadth of support and resources for schools and colleges helps education professionals to build an inclusive and holistic approach to mental health.

    Read moreSchool and college support services
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  • Bespoke clinical support

    We create practical, tailored support to strengthen local systems and enhance wellbeing services to improve mental health support for children, young people and their families.

    Read moreBespoke clinical support
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  • Research and innovation

    We advance understanding of mental health and wellbeing in young people and turn evidence into better treatments and interventions.

    Read moreResearch and innovation
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  • UK Trauma Council

    The UK Trauma Council is an Anna Freud project, which creates evidence-based resources to equip mental health professionals supporting children and young people exposed to trauma.

    Read moreUK Trauma Council
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  • Measuring mental health outcomes

    The Child Outcomes Research Consortium is an Anna Freud project. It collates evidence and measures mental health outcomes for effective child-centred support, services and systems.

    Read moreMeasuring mental health outcomes
    A smiling male teacher stands over supervising a group of happy children who are working on whiteboards and digital tablets.

What's new

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales joined families, experts and other special guests to explore the importance of connection for preventing mental health problems.

The Princess has been the patron of Anna Freud - a charity that is transforming mental health care for children and young people through science, collaboration and clinical innovation - since 2016.

Find out more

Upcoming training courses

View all upcoming training

The Anna Freud newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, research, events and fundraising activities.

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Anna Freud Crisis Messenger

The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope.

If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.

AFC Crisis Messenger

*Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2023 - wave 4 follow up to the 2017 survey - NHS England Digital