DSPL3 have commissioned NESSie to work in collaboration with schools to provide a package of support for children and young people ages 0 -25.

They are also funded through Hertfordshire County Council to support parents/carers of children and young people with emotional and mental health issues.  The aim of this provision is to help parents/carers to develop a positive and more confident approach to supporting their young person, whilst offering a chance to gain peer support, useful strategies and practical tools.

About NESSie

Nessie is a not for profit, independent therapy organisation that focuses on helping children and young people (0 – 25 years) thrive. Their team are primarily arts therapists but also have autism specialists, family support workers, SENCOs and youth workers.

They specialise in working with children, young people and families who are currently not getting support. Sometimes this is because they are anxious about talking to a therapist, sometimes they have experienced trauma, sometimes they may be neurodivergent, or perhaps they prefer more flexible, creative approaches.

They support the mental health of children and young people in three ways:

• Offer 1-1 and group therapy for children and young people
• Offer training and supervision to professionals
• Offer webinars and support to parents and carers

NESSie Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Training

NESSie recently provided training for professionals working with children and young people who are experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). The trainings explored factors which could be impacting attendance and helped developed a better understanding around anxiety, risk and protective factors. As a part of the training, schools were introduced to a 12-week early intervention programme ‘My Feelings & Me’ which some staff are now using as a framework when supporting students who are struggling to attend school.

For more information please visit their website at  https://nessieined.com/