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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 England 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 adults 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
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New Free Schools Neurodiversity and Wellbeing programme

This year, Children’s Mental Health Week highlights the vital role of belonging for mental health and wellbeing. To support this, we’ve launched new, free training for state schools to improve wellbeing support for neurodivergent students and boost their sense of belonging.

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