At Anna Freud, our vision is a world where all children and young people are able to achieve their full potential.
A world in which they and their families get support that is designed with their input, available at the right time, and meets their needs, so that they can develop their emotional and mental health.
Our resources
For under fives
We have a selection of resources for early years wellbeing including working with babies & young children on digital platforms, coronavirus support, and a 'Bonding with baby' podcast.
School and college resources
Browse our free mental health resources for those working in primary, secondary and FE settings.
For children and young people
Our children and young people's wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing. These pages have been co-produced by young...
Our latest news
Raising the voices of families and pupils at the Pears Family School
The Pears Family School was founded by Anna Freud. The school creates a culture of trust to help families and pupils direct the support they need, as the Children’s Commissioner learned ...
Children’s Commissioner unlocks learning on Alternative Provision at The Pears Family School
Dame Rachel de Souza met parents, carers, families and pupils at the central London school, founded and sponsored by Anna Freud.
What does self-care really mean?
One of our Youth Participation Programme Assistants wrote this blog on what self-care means following research involving young people.
Anna Freud Crisis Messenger
The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Their service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better.
If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.
Our research
The HeadStart Learning Programme
The Evidence Based Practice Unit leads the national evaluation of HeadStart. Together with our partners, we evaluate and share learning from the HeadStart programme.
Education for Wellbeing
Explore Education for Wellbeing, England's major mental health intervention trial in schools. Backed by the Department for Education, we assess innovative approaches with the Anna Freud ...
The Reflective Fostering Study
A 12-month exploration assessing the impact of the Reflective Fostering Programme on children aged 4-13 in care.
Become our Partner
Collaborations and partnerships are crucial to our research. Our research units and collaborative projects pool expertise around particular priorities or areas of work.
We collaborate with academic institutions to carry out research and we partner with national and international organisations committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and families to maximise our impact.
New training courses
Senior mental health lead training
An online training course for senior mental health leads, helping you develop a sustainable whole-school approach to mental health.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy Training (IPT)
This six-day course provides introductory training for practitioners in IPT and reflects the IPT competency framework.
Mentalization-Based Treatment: Reflective Parenting
Reflective Parenting is a model of parenting which focuses on the application of theoretical ideas from mentalization, attachment theory and reflective functioning in promoting positive ...
Become a Champion
Our Champions volunteer their time, experience and expertise to contribute to our projects and services, all of which are focused on improving the wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and families.
This can involve things like: supporting us to review our resources, sharing parents'/carer's perspective as part of our training days for mental health professionals, helping out at events and much more.
Sign up to our newsletter
Anna Freud's newsletter provides updates of the latest news, research, events and fundraising activities.
Upcoming events
Mentalizing and Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) Seminars: Seminar 2
Exploring our own perspectives as well as those of other people, leading to more successful interactions and social relationships.
Traumatic bereavement: working therapeutically with children and young people
A course designed to help bereaved children and young people cope with their trauma.
Mentalization-Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F)
This training will provide an introduction to Mentalization-Based Treatment for Families (MBT-F) offering a practical approach to the key elements of the model.
