Why Our Work Matters

Young People Need Stronger Foundations

Children and young people are growing up in an increasingly challenging world.

Mental and emotional health difficulties can affect a young person’s education, relationships, confidence, behaviour, sense of identity and future opportunities.

Research across the UK has highlighted significant concerns within schools and communities, including increasing levels of mental health need and young people struggling to access the right support at the right time.

Research has also reported that:

• 96% of young people surveyed said their mental health had affected their schoolwork at some point.
• 78% said school had made their mental health worse.
• 48% reported being punished at school for behaviour connected to their mental health difficulties.
• 70% of young people who experienced racism at school said it had affected their wellbeing.
• School staff have also reported concerns around self-harm, unmet support needs and exclusion.

Behind every statistic is a young person.

And we believe we need to act before difficulties become crises.

Prevention Starts With Education

Many young people are expected to manage difficult emotions, stress, relationships and life’s challenges without ever having been taught how.

They may not understand what they are experiencing, how to communicate it or what they can do to support themselves.

This is where Shiva Trust Charity aims to make a difference.

Rather than waiting until a young person reaches crisis point, we believe in giving children and young people practical knowledge, skills and tools early in life.

We want young people to learn how to:

• understand their emotions
• recognise their needs
• manage stress and challenges
• develop emotional literacy
• build confidence and resilience
• communicate how they are feeling
• develop positive relationships
• care for their mental and emotional wellbeing
• ask for support when they need it
• understand themselves and their individual strengths

These are not simply mental health interventions.

They are foundations for life.

The Shiva Trust Agenda

Our agenda is centred around prevention, education and improving life chances.

We develop educational programmes, practical skills training and community initiatives focused on the mental and emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Our approach recognises that every young person is a whole person.

Their wellbeing can be influenced by their family, education, relationships, community, culture, experiences, environment and individual needs.

Young people also tell researchers that they want support that is accessible, understandable and respectful of their independence.

That means creating environments where young people can learn about mental health without judgement, stigma or fear.

Through our Vidya Kids™ programmes, schools outreach, community projects, educational resources and research, we aim to help build those foundations.

Our Vision

A generation of young people who understand themselves before they reach crisis.

Young people who have the knowledge and skills to care for their wellbeing.

Young people who know how and when to ask for help.

Young people who are empowered to build happy, meaningful and successful lives.

Prevention begins with understanding.
Understanding begins with education.
And strong futures begin with strong foundations.