Lifespace Trust

Half term is often seen as a time to rest and recover. However, for many young people, the pressure of upcoming exams does not pause. It can continue to influence thoughts, confidence and overall wellbeing. As part of Lifespace Trust’s exam stress series, this final piece focuses on a simple but powerful concept: self-talk. In the lead-up to exams, it is common to experience an inner voice that is overly critical or discouraging. Thoughts such as: “I’m going to fail.” “Everyone else is smarter than me.” “There’s no point trying.” These statements can feel automatic, but they are not helpful. We would not speak to a friend, student or colleague in this way, yet many people speak to themselves far more harshly. A more supportive and balanced approach can make a meaningful difference. For example: “I am doing the best I can.” “I can ask for help if I need it.” “One exam does not define me.” By encouraging a kinder, more realistic inner voice, we help create a foundation for better wellbeing, not only during exams, but in the challenges that follow. #lifespacetrust #examstress #mentoringmatters #warwickshire #growthmindset

School transitions are the process of changing from one school to another. For many teenagers, this process is symbolic – it marks the shift from childhood to adolescence, indicating a change in social status and how a teenager views themself. This rite of passage is an important milestone in a teenager’s life, which, when successful, can have many positive benefits. But if they encounter ongoing challenges, it could negatively impact their wellbeing. Discover how primary to secondary school transition can affect adolescent wellbeing, anxiety, belonging, and motivation, and explore ways schools can support students through change. Blog by Mason Mi Zhou. https://bit.ly/3RrMTuM #PrimarySchool #SecondarySchool #SchoolTransitions #EdPsych #EducationalPsychology #EducationalPsychologist #CAMH #CAMHS #Psychology #Psychiatry #Science #Evidence #Research #Wellbeing #Anxiety #Motivation #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters

🗨️ “Dear mentors…” In our latest YouTube video, Sophie – a Lifespace Trust Young Leader and member of our Youth Advisory Panel – shares an open letter to Lifespace colleagues. “Lifespace doesn’t just talk the talk - they walk it, every single day. They meet young people exactly where they are… and offer something rare: space. Space to breathe, to process, to speak, and to be heard.” Reflecting on her own journey: “Whether it was friendship struggles, bullying, panic attacks or suicidal thoughts - Lifespace was there… Not once did they try to fit me into a box or rush me through a timeline." And perhaps most simply: “They listened. They waited. They walked with me.” 👉🏽 If you’re a young person, parent/carer or professional looking for support, we’re here. And if you’re interested in joining our team, our supporting our work, we’d love to hear from you. 🌟 Get Involved here https://lnkd.in/ewW58bKU 📩 Pop us a DM or say hello@lifespace.org.uk https://lnkd.in/ehmbkEUw

We are looking for secondary schools to be involved in this fantastic project. This intervention already has robust evidence of effectiveness for bullying and this trial is to establish the impact on mental health and attainment outcomes. Please share with your networks! Spaces filling up fast!

Closing date coming up – but there’s still time ⏳ We’re really keen to hear from people who want to be part of what we’re building at Lifespace Trust – supporting young people across Warwickshire with their mental health and wellbeing. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your nudge. Take a look, share with someone who might be a good fit, and get in touch if you have questions.

The Impact of Peer Listener Training at Rugby High School: We recently reviewed participant feedback from the Peer Listener Training delivered by Lifespace Trust at Rugby High School, and the results strongly demonstrate the value of investing in structured, psychologically safe peer support programmes within schools. 📊 Students reported an average preparedness score of 9.53 out of 10. This reflects a cohort that feels confident, capable, and ready to take on peer listener responsibilities. 🧠 A consistent theme across responses was the importance of a safe, non judgemental learning environment. Students described feeling empowered, respected, and able to engage honestly. 🎓 Interactive and experiential elements emerged as the most impactful aspects of the training. Role play, real life scenarios, group discussions, and guided reflection enabled students to translate theory into practice and build confidence through active participation, rather than passive observation. 🛠 Participants reported significant growth in core areas essential for both peer support and life more broadly, including: • Active listening and effective communication • Empathy and emotional intelligence • Confidentiality, safeguarding, and boundary setting • Self awareness, confidence, and personal responsibility Many students noted that these skills extended beyond the peer listener role into their everyday relationships and future aspirations. 💙All participants who responded indicated they would recommend the training, with many describing it as personally transformative. Feedback also suggests wider benefits, including positive contributions to student wellbeing, improved staff student understanding, and a more empathetic school culture overall. ☀️ By combining emotional safety, experiential learning, and practical tools, the training supported young people to become confident peer listeners and emotionally literate individuals. The evidence strongly supports the continuation and potential expansion of peer listener initiatives within educational settings. A big thank you to Andy and Thato for delivering this workshop. If you'd like to find out more, or request training for your students pop us a DM or say hello@lifespace.org.uk #lifespace #warwickshire #mentoringmatters

A really powerful evening at The Leathersellers ’ Company Livery Dinner last week. Lifespace Trust were invited as recipients of their most recent grant programme - a 4-year, £100k commitment to support young people experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences. Support like this genuinely changes what’s possible for the young people we work with at Lifespace. It was great to catch up with so many like-minded leaders from so many good causes. Lisa Carroll pictured here with Kat Newman MA JNC, Colette Byrne and Tracy Harrison, each representing different organisations doing amazing work in their communities. Dr. Kenny Imafidon MBE's keynote was incredibly powerful. Hearing him speak about his own childhood, captured in his book #ThatPeckhamBoy, was both honest and challenging - a powerful reminder of the lived experiences behind the work. There were also some excellent conversations across the evening, including with liverymen James Russell, Parminder Nahl and Alex Lethbridge. With thanks to The Leathersellers’ Company for their kind invitation - and for their continued investment in those who need it most.

10k DONE ✅🏃 What a start to the Lifespace Trust Flying Scotsman Challenge – 47:28 on a very hilly course at Barry Island. “It is VERY hilly here… 1st placed VI runner and even ahead of the wheelchairs.” An incredible effort from James and Joe – strong, focused, and setting the tone for what’s ahead. Every mile is helping us reach children and young people earlier – before things become overwhelming. Follow his story at https://lnkd.in/ewzM_j-k 💙 And if you can, scan the QR code or visit https://lnkd.in/eW5hBbct to donate – it all adds up. #FlyingScotsmanChallenge #TeamLifespace #10KDone #IncredibleStart #EarlySupport