Emotional support for 4-18 year olds
Helping 4-18 year olds navigate life's challenges and build resilience
This year we supported 490 children and young people across Lancashire - with 93% showing measurable improvement in their emotional wellbeing.
When children and young people face emotional difficulties, the right support at the right time can transform their lives. Our experienced counsellors and play therapists provide the caring, professional help that gets young lives back on track.
"It has been massive to be able to offload my anger and frustrations and upset on someone who won't be upset or worry about me too much." - Young person
How We Help
Individual Counselling & Play Therapy
Our qualified counsellors and play therapists work one-to-one with children and young people, usually over 6 sessions, to help with:
- Bereavement, loss & separation
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety & stress management
- Anger and emotional control
- Low self-esteem & confidence
- Self-harm support
- Building coping and resilience strategies
Specialist Autism Support
Our highly experienced team provides whole-family support for children on the autism spectrum or showing autistic traits:
- Understanding autism and how it affects your child
- Behaviour strategies that actually work
- Managing anxiety and sensory issues
- Working with schools for better outcomes
- Planning for the future with confidence
"The strategies we have learnt have been a game-changer for us." - Parent
Real Stories of Transformation
Overcoming School Phobia
"When I came to Key, I had a complete phobia of being sick, and my school attendance had been badly affected... Heather helped me look at my feelings and understand them from a different perspective. I feel more in control now rather than my anxieties controlling me. I am now in school every day and even getting involved in lots of fun activities."
Real Stories of Transformation
Supporting Families Through Crisis
"When Key were first involved with us, our son was constantly being excluded from school... now we feel much more knowledgeable and confident. The help has been absolutely fantastic – it has helped our home life and my son's school progress so much better. We feel much more optimistic about the future."
Real Stories of Transformation
Preventing Family Breakdown
"When I first came to Key, I was at my wits' end as my daughter kept having massive meltdowns at home, which resulted in the police being called several times... Key helped me understand my daughter's anxiety and sensory issues. My daughter and I are much calmer, the school understand autism-friendly approaches, and the police are no longer involved."
What do others say about our support?
“When Key were first involved with us, we were at a very low point as our son was constantly being excluded from school or being sent home early. We knew very little about autism at this stage, but now we feel much more knowledgeable and confident. Gill at Key helped us understand autistic behaviour – why it happens, how to cope with it with lots of strategies, and how to liaise with school more effectively. We have found the help absolutely fantastic – it has helped our home life and my son’s school progress so much better. We feel much more optimistic about the future.”
Professional Partnership
We're proud to be part of Lancashire County Council's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Programme, working in a consortium led by Child Action North West. This partnership ensures:
- Consistent, high-quality support across Lancashire
- Early intervention when problems are easier to resolve
- Professional collaboration for the best outcomes
- Evidence-based approaches that really work
How to access support?
For professionals supporting a child or young person: If you're a teacher, social worker, health professional, or other support worker, you can refer a child or young person through our electronic referral form.
For parents and young people: Speak to a professional already supporting you (such as a teacher, GP, or social worker) who can make a referral on your behalf.
Why Choose Key's Emotional Support Service?
Requesting support from Children's Services - Lancashire County Council
- 490 children supported this year alone
- 93% show measurable improvement in their wellbeing
- Experienced, qualified therapists who understand young people
- Whole-family approach when appropriate
- Specialist autism expertise that makes a real difference
- Part of Lancashire's coordinated support network
"My counsellor was amazing and so easy to get along with. I feel like I can tell her so much and speak to her about anything. She has helped so much." - Young person
Every child deserves to feel happy, confident, and able to cope with life's challenges. Let us help them get there.