One-Eighty update from Susie Besant

Thank you

“Thank you for supporting One-Eighty over the academic year 2021/22. As children and young people’s mental health continues to rise in numbers and intensity, and as more and more families are affected by the rising cost of living, we continue to focus on delivering our unique support – bridging the gap between the young person, mental health and education sectors.”

Susie Besant, Chief Executive

This year:

• we worked intensively with 56 young people (with complex mental health and educational needs) and their families, delivering 3-4 one-to-one sessions every week for 8 weeks

• we delivered 1,500 sessions on understanding mental health (called 'Make Me Smile') to primary school children

• 24 young people took part in our Kick Start pilot project, supporting children struggling to settle into the school day with our calming sessions and a healthy breakfast

• we ran 1,189 intensive one-to-one sessions: 806 with young people and 383 with parents and carers - a 15% increase from last year

• 48 young people took part in our ‘Summer Projects’ preparing them for their new school year

• we mentored professionals who work directly with young people and delivered 40 specialist training sessions, to equip them with skills to support young people’s mental health.

“One-Eighty has positively impacted the Berinsfield community.

It has helped turn some of our pupils' lives around, including those with significant mental health needs, challenging behaviour and those at risk of permanent exclusion. It has helped parents to build their own confidence. It has also been instrumental in strengthening home-school relationships.”

Headteacher, Abbey Woods Academy

One-Eighty’s work continues to transform the lives of children, young people and their families across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire:

• referrals to One-Eighty have substantially increased over the past two years

• 94% of the young people we supported last year with our intensive one-to-one support showed an improvement against planned targets

• the most common reason for a young person being referred to One-Eighty this year was emotional regulation challenges – this can include angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other self-damaging behaviours.

Owen, aged 11 with a diagnosis of autism, often got angry and had physical outbursts. Attending school made him more and more anxious, until he avoided going at all. One-Eighty staff gradually helped Owen to understand his emotions and worries, learn how to communicate his feelings, and taught him coping strategies. When Owen was ready, One-Eighty supported Owen to settle in at school. Owen has now made close friends and is enjoying learning. His life has completely turned around.

Our strategic vision centres on growth to turn around the lives of more children and young people. Our plans include:

• investing in our staff team to reach more young people and increasing opportunities for staff development and progression

• expanding our hugely successful schools partnership model, developed over the last 3 years with Abbey Woods Academy; providing a whole-school approach to supporting young people's well-being through intervention services and additional support for pupils and staff

• extending the reach of our support further into Buckinghamshire.

Can you support us to achieve this vision?

So far this year we have raised over £80k through our 10th-anniversary appeal. We were the largest charity team running in the Blenheim 7k, and hosted a fundraising dinner to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

To help us to continue making a difference you can:

Join us for our next event, our Charity Quiz Night on 7th November in Oxford

Support us this Christmas by sending ecards and donating the cost of posting cards to One-Eighty

Donate or become a regular donor to help us accelerate our growth and impact even more families in need.