emotional literacy support

We are an Emotional Literacy based service, combining healthcare and education, helping children to explore and understand their emotions, how they feel in their body and why they might be feeling different emotions.. We create a safe space for children to learn different ways of how to respond to different emotions, and then support them in being able to put strategies into action.

We are a non-clinical service and operate as a 'Relationship Focused Model'. This means we work to build safe relationships with children and young people, as well as those important to them; working longer-term with a child or young person for the best long-term outcomes.

Although we operate as a non-medical model we do work with clinically informed processes and practices.

We want every child to know that they matter, they are loved and they are not alone...

To get the full benefit from our site and it's resources please view on a desktop when possible.

our mission

We are fighting to change the current statistics around child mental health in the city of Derby by offering a unique relationship focused, holistic, emotional support service in both our, non clinical, emotional health hub and in the community.

You can get involved now to help save and improve the lives of children in Derby City.

We support over 120 children in the city each week, help us to continue this vital work.

DONATE

OUR SERVICES

1:1 Emotional Support for Children
Emotional 'swimming' lessons and workshops.
Training for Schools and Health and Social Care.
Adult & Child Workshops (in person and online).
Free walk in support (Tuesday and Wednesdays 9am - 11:00am)
Parent Empowerment Workshops & Parent Support Sessions
Small Group Sessions and Courses
FREE resources.
Early Years and Parent Wellbeing at local Family Hubs (FREE Access)
10-week Early Years Emotions Course (FREE Access)

At Bridge the Gap, we take a child-led approach to emotional literacy interventions, meaning we tailor our sessions to how each child likes to engage and learn. Some children prefer structured sessions, where they feel supported by a clear plan or activities, while others thrive through play and creativity. We meet them where they’re most comfortable, allowing the flexibility to explore emotions in a way that feels right for them. This approach helps plant the seeds of emotional understanding, whether through structured conversations or more creative, hands-on experiences.

The impact of our sessions is often felt long after they’ve finished. We understand that children need time to process what they’ve learned, by allowing space between sessions, children can apply their new emotional tools to real-life situations at their own pace.

They might not show immediate changes, but over time, you’ll likely notice them beginning to utilise the skills they have learned, talk about how they feel, or cope with challenges in ways they couldn’t before. Emotional literacy is a lifelong skill, and we’re proud to play a role in helping children develop that strong foundation.

Every child starts at a different place, with different experiences, traits, family dynamics and learning styles, therefore each child will have an individual and unique journey with emotional literacy support sessions.

At Bridge the Gap, we don’t just work with children—we also empower parents by helping them understand emotional literacy and its connection to behaviours. We plant the seeds of emotional awareness in our sessions, but it’s parents who continue to water those seeds at home. By providing parents with knowledge and guidance, they’re better equipped to support their child’s emotional development, creating a more consistent and nurturing environment for those skills to grow. It is for this reason that all parents are encouraged to access the online learning or online/in-person live workshops.

As an early intervention service, we recognise that some children may need therapy as opposed to than our emotional literacy interventions. When we see a child who may benefit from more specialised therapy, we ensure they are supported in their transition to a more suitable service. Early intervention means noticing these needs early and acting on them, making sure that children get the right kind of help as quickly as possible. We’re committed to ensuring each child receives the most appropriate care, whether that’s through our service or by guiding them to a more clinical led setting when necessary.

It is accepted that we teach children to learn how to swim, so should they fall into deep water they have the skills necessary to keep themselves safe. We start from birth and then progress through stages as they grow - it doesn't stop them falling into deep water, but by teaching them how to swim, and helping them to understand how to stay safe then we dramatically reduce the chances of them drowning.

At Bridge the Gap we teach children how to emotionally swim. It's the same premise, start young and move through the levels as they grow, this helps them to build authentic emotional resilience and helps to protect their mental health through life's challenges.

For all job posts please apply using the application form at the bottom of this page, this is the same form for our volunteering opportunities, this is all in line with our safer recruitment processes and policy.

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Job description and Spec

Personalised support designed specifically for YOUR child and family.
Helping to understand, accept and to move through difficult emotions and boosting self-esteem.
Working through difficult, specific circumstances in a safe space.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions about our service.

We are not a counselling service. Counselling is typically a more in-depth process. It involves giving children a safe space to explore their emotions, often focusing on processing difficult experiences or deeper issues. Unlike emotional literacy interventions, which are more guided and educational, counselling tends to be more open-ended, aiming to help children work through their experiences and feelings.

You can self-refer into our private 1:1 service, or schools can do it for you. You can book an assessment call with a member of our team by visiting our BOOK ONLINE page, out of hours options are available for an additional fee, please email info@jwbridgethegap.com to arrange. Our practitioners also work with schools who fund us to go and support a child over a 12 + week period. If therapy is deemed to be an appropriate next step then a separate assessment will be made by the therapist.

Assessment calls are £45 and last no longer than 45 minutes. They are a safe, relaxed and informal discussion to help you from the very beginning.

If we know of any funded or free support available we will always inform you and share the details.

We have lots of FREE resources, spend some time exploring the site; why not ask your child to take a look with you as well? Keep checking back, we create new resources every month and don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list as well.

As well as FREE information leaflets, activity sheets, videos on our YouTube channel, and posters, we also have a FREE online course for parents. This course is full of useful information on how to support a child who might be in crisis, really useful to access this proactively as well - just in case.

FREE Course

contact us...

Bridge the Gap, 10/11 St. Mary's Gate, Derby DE1 3JR

Our team require support to ensure that they are delivering the best support possible, we also run a lot of self-funded community support for children and families.

Volunteers have the ability to have a great impact by working in a variety of roles. We require volunteers to run our compassionate craft sessions as well as supporting CWP's in small group sessions.

In return you get access to fantastic training and be part of a truly wonderful team.

Please read the following document to find out more about the role, the benefits for you and impact you could have before applying for a role.

READ ME

Many, many thanks...

Apply

free for you

Reports and FREE resources to empower and support, click on the image to access.

FREE drop-in support - Tuesday and Wednesdays 9am - 11am - Pop along to our new Café space if you need on the day information and advice, come alone or bring your child.
Compassionate Crafts 6-week volunteer led programme - FREE. Our 6-week, small group course where children explore emotions through creative activities. Aimed at children aged 7-11, this course provides a safe space to understand feelings like kindness, anger, worry, and more, with support from caring adults. Our sessions focus on building self-esteem and emotional literacy in a calm, nurturing environment.
10 Week Emotions Course for parents and children aged 0-2 years - FREE ( please email staceymurray@jwbridgethegap.com to book). A free 10-week course for parents and their 0-2 year olds. Gently introduce emotional literacy through stories, play and creativity. Support the whole family’s wellbeing, ask questions, explore a different emotion each week, and access activities and ideas that you can continue at home.
1:1 support with a Child Wellbeing Practitioner - £45 per session for 12 weeks. We create custom plans for each child based on their interests and learning styles. Weekly sessions focus on building a trusting relationship while working toward set goals. You'll get a report on progress, including the child's input and next steps. Plus, there's a quick mid-session parent check-in to keep everyone on the same page.
1:1 support with a Community Mental Health Practitioner - £50 per session for 12 weeks. Community Mental Health Practitioners work in the same way as Child Wellbeing Practitioners but hold protected professional titles. They work with more specialised needs and experiences.
1:1 Growing Minds Programme with a Child Wellbeing Practitioner - £45 per session for 6 weeks. This 6-week program uses crafts to help children explore and understand emotions like worry, anger, happiness, self-esteem, kindness, and sadness. It’s like 6 weeks of emotional swimming lessons, designed as early intervention or a proactive way to support emotional growth.
1:1 Parent Support Sessions with Director Jennifer Wyman - £50 per hour. Parent support sessions offer a non-judgmental, safe space to discuss your child’s challenges, whether it’s behaviour, emotions, separation, bereavement, or mental health. We’re here to listen, support, and share helpful ideas to help you move forward. Jennifer has over 25 years experience supporting parents so that they can best plan for a child's next steps.
1:1 Parent Support Session with a Lead Child Wellbeing Practitioner - £45 per session. Parent support sessions offer a non-judgmental, safe space to discuss your child’s challenges, if you have concerns about how to respond to your child's situation or emotions then these sessions provide an opportunity to learn and reflect.
1:1 Online Adult and Child Workshop - £45 per session. We offer a wide range of online workshops to help children understand and manage tough emotions like anger, anxiety, and self-esteem. You can access these engaging and thought-provoking sessions from the comfort of your home. Perfect as a stand-alone intervention or as a follow-up to 1:1 support, our Zoom workshops are both fun and effective! Let us help you find the right workshop for your needs.
In person Groups start from £5 and go up to £95 for a 4-week course. We offer a wide variety of in-person small group sessions that you can book online, designed to be fun, empowering, and educational. From Chess Club to Glow Girls, there's something for everyone! Our standout offering is the in-person adult and child workshops, where we help kids share with their safe adults, normalise big emotions, and explore practical tools together.
1:1 4-week Adult and Child Emotions Course - £200 (includes all resources). Some children find small groups difficult which is why we offer our popular 4-weeks emotions course as a 1:1 service. Meet with the same practitioner for 4-weeks to discover more about where we feel our feelings, anxiety, anger and self-esteem! A creative based course that makes a difference.
Private Mental Health Assessment with Clinical Director Nikki Webster - £150 (please email nikkiwebster@jwbridgethegap.com to book). A mental health assessment may be required if we are concerned about a child's mental health, we may suggest this so that we can effectively safeguard and risk assess before they enter our service; or use it to determine the best support for your child's needs. You may also request an assessment to help you advocate for your child. We will only agree to complete a mental health assessment if we deem it necessary and ethical to do so.
Online Parent Webinars - from £7.50 Easy and accessible support and empowering information! If you want to learn more about anxiety, responding to behaviour, all things emotions or coping tools then we have a webinar for you! Each webinar is recorded and you get access for 30 days after the live delivery. Book via our Eventbrite page here.
Online Adult and Child Workshops - from £7.50 Just like our in-person sessions we have successfully developed online workshops that children can attend in the comfort in their own home with a safe and trusted adult. All you need is some paper and pens to take part! You can ask questions anonymously, and our practitioners camera is the only one turned on so you can be in your PJ's if you like! As with our parent webinars, sessions are recorded and you get access for 30 days after the live delivery. Book via our Eventbrite page here.
Training - rates depending on needs, please email jenniferwyman@jwbridgethegap.com to enquire. Please visit our dedicated page for more details.