Safaplace

More and more children are finding it hard to go to school or stay in school. We Belong is a Hackney-based project, funded by Safaplace, that supports families when their child is struggling with school attendance.

We understand that it can feel overwhelming when your child isn’t going to school. It’s a difficult experience, and We Belong aims to share support, understanding, and practical ideas to help lighten the load.

What is it?

We Belong is a parent-led project run by people who know what it’s like to have a child who can’t attend school. We support families by sharing experiences, ideas, and useful knowledge.

How does it work?

· Eight weekly sessions, each 90 minutes long. The dates will be chosen with families.

· Each session includes guided discussion, idea-sharing, and expert speakers chosen by parents.

· The course is free, and refreshments are provided.

How can I get involved or find out more?

For families: If you’re a parent or carer of a child who is struggling to attend secondary school, please look at the information on this page — there’s a short film and a leaflet. If you’d like to join the project or talk about it, contact [email protected] or 07949 111866.

For schools: If you work in a school and want to learn more about We Belong, please get in touch at [email protected] or 07949 111866. We’re happy to talk to school staff about the project.

Feel free to download and share the information on this page in your school newsletter or pass it on to families who may be interested.

Facilitation:

Sessions will be facilitated by Sarah Johnson. Sarah is a parent of a child who struggles to attend school. She is also a consultant and author with over two decades of expertise in emotional well-being, behaviour, and systems change in education. Her career spans mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provision (AP), and psychiatric in-patient services, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of how to create inclusive, nurturing environments where all children can thrive. You can find out more about Sarah and this project in the video below.

We Belong was set up by Tim Linehan who has worked with national charities including Anna Freud, Barnardo’s and Action for Children, promoting child mental health and wellbeing. He hascarried out research into school nonattendance in Hackney and is a parent of a child who was unable to attend secondary school.

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