How group therapy helps children stay in school

Project Family Group

Purpose To tackle truancy and exclusions by working with whole families

Funding The annual cost of the entire Family Group (comprised of eight families, an average of six who attend Family Group weekly) is £18,500, making the cost of each family’s therapy per year £2,312 (£18,500 divided by eight), or £3,083 (£18,500 divided by six). Funders include the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, John Lyons Charity, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity, Comic Relief and schools

Background Children who display emotional and behavioural difficulties in school often don't get the mental health support they need. Research shows a strong link between challenging behaviour and poor outcomes in later life. In September 2010, social enterprise The School and Family Works started running a group intervention in schools, based on the "Marlborough Model" created by Eia Asen, Neil Dawson and Brenda McHugh. "It brings everyone you need into the room at the same time – child, parent, a member of school leadership team and an independent mental health person," explains educational psychotherapist Mark Griffiths, chief executive of The School and Family Works.