Meet George.
George struggled to make friends. School felt overwhelming, and his teachers thought he just wanted to be alone.
But with the support of one of our art therapists, things began to change. Through creativity and trust, George is calmer, talking more, and even making friends.
For George and many others, therapy means being seen and supported in a safe way. Made possible by donors like you.
What people believe:
“Children can get help within a few weeks if they’re struggling.”
(81% of UK adults agree - Children’s Charity Data, 2022)
What’s actually happening:
Children in Harrogate are waiting 16–24 weeks, sometimes over a year, for a first mental health appointment.
(Source: Local NHS Trust / CAMHS, 2024)
“Every week they wait, something is lost.”
- Wellspring Therapist
- Children who wait 6+ months are twice as likely to disengage from school or experience self-harm
- 1 in 3 drop out of therapy before it begins due to wait times
- 67% of parents say they feel “helpless” watching their child wait
We don’t just provide therapy.
We train the therapists too.
With demand rising, the UK faces a shortage of child and youth therapists. In rural areas across Harrogate, distance and availability make access even harder.
That’s why Wellspring now trains local people to become counsellors, giving them the skills, qualifications, and supervision they need.
By growing therapists locally, we’re making support more accessible for the families who need it most.
Help Us Reach More Children, Sooner
£75
Funds one counselling session
£450
Funds a full 6-session therapeutic plan
