Community, Health & Prevention

We offer Therapeutic and Wellbeing support for children and young people aged 4-25 in primary and secondary schools as well as outreach settings across Leeds.

What we offer

AIM PROJECT
FAMILY MEDIATION
PARENT MEDIATION
CAMHS TRANSITION SERVICE
OWL Counselling
School-based Wellbeing Support
School-based Groupwork
School-based Drop-in Support
Parent & Guardian Counselling
Therapeutic Assessment
School-based Counselling
16 to 25 Wellbeing Support (1 to 1)
New support service coming soon
Emotional Based School Avoidance Outreach
AutPlay Therapy
RISE
Complex Needs Support
Domestic Abuse Support
Healthy Holidays
PCAP

Who we are

Community, Health & Prevention (CHP) is a service committed to promoting well-being and resilience by supporting individuals and families through tailored interventions and preventive measures. With a focus on health, community connection, and early intervention, CHP works to empower people to improve their quality of life and overcome challenges. By fostering collaboration with local organisations and adopting a proactive approach, CHP ensures accessible, impactful support that makes a meaningful difference across the community.

Easter Activities

Join us this Easter for a range of fun and engaging activities for all ages, designed to promote wellbeing and community connection.

Oxford University Project:

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Oxford University on a groundbreaking research project aimed at amplifying the voices of females living in supported accommodation. Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative.

Expanded AIM Project Launch

Supporting Care-Experienced Individuals

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the AIM project, thanks to funding from the Lottery. This initiative will support care-experienced individuals through dedicated services focused on wellbeing and growth.

Rise / Speak Up

Black Boys #Speak Up at Leeds City College

GIPSIL is proud to take the Rise / Speak Up programme to further education with Black Boys #Speak Up at Leeds City College. This empowering programme provides a platform for young people to express themselves and raise awareness of important social issues.

Who we work with

Our partners play an invaluable role in enhancing the impact of our Community, Health, and Prevention services. Together, we create stronger, healthier communities through collaboration and shared commitment.

“Their flexibility and the informality of the offer enabled the development of authentic relationship. Children Looked After had someone in their lives who was keeping gently guiding them and being responsive. This type of offer is not available from anywhere else.”

Educational psychologist at Leeds City Council.

The Old Firestation,
Gipton Approach,
Leeds
LS9 6NL

0113 248 1301

CHP@gipsil.org.uk

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AIM Project

The AIM Project delivers bespoke support to care-experienced young people in years 9 to 11 of high school and 16+. Our workers offer support focused on emotional wellbeing, post-16 transitions, and aspirational activities. We provide 18 months of intensive work, with potential for follow-up support from volunteers.

Watch Service Video Here  

Criteria:
Young people with care experience.
Aged 14 to 18 years.
Priority for specific postcodes in deprived wards.
Access: Self-referral, PAs and Schools.
Email: Rebecca.Stone@GIPSIL.org.uk

Family Mediation

Our Family Mediation service provides a safe space for young people and their and their Parent/carer to reduce conflict and improve communication. Sessions focus on preventing family breakdown and creating positive changes through a solution-focused approach.

Watch Service Video Here

Criteria:
Young people aged 11 to 18 years.
Living in Leeds or attending an educational provision in Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: CHP@gipsil.org.uk or Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

Parent Mediation

Parent Mediation helps separating or divorcing couples resolve disputes about children without costly legal battles. Mediators support constructive discussions to reach agreements in the children’s best interests.


Watch Service Video Here


Criteria: 

Open to all parents and carers.
Priority for specific postcodes in deprived wards.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

CAMHS Transitions Service

Supporting 16 to 25-year-olds transitioning from CAMHS, we provide tailored emotional wellbeing support. Clients co-produce a plan of achievable goals, with up to 18 individual sessions offered in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Watch Service Video Here  

Criteria:
Aged 16 to 25 years in Leeds and Wakefield.
Previously supported by CAMHS.
Willing to engage.
Email: transitions.referrals@GIPSIL.org.uk

Our Way Leeds (OWL) Counselling

We offer confidential 1:1 therapy for 16 to 25-year-olds through qualified or trainee counsellors. Sessions address issues such as anxiety, self-harm, and relationship challenges. Clients receive up to 12 weekly sessions.

Criteria:
Aged 16 to 25 years.
Referral through OWL or unmet housing-related need.
Access: Referrals via OWL.
Email: Grainne.McGregor@GIPSIL.org.uk

School-based Wellbeing Support

Our wellbeing workers deliver creative, 8-week programmes tailored to children’s needs, focussing on a range of emotional and social challenges. Sessions are semi-structured and interactive.

Criteria:
Aged 8 to 25 years
Parental consent required for under-13s

Access: Referral through school clusters or individual schools
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

School-based Groupwork

Groupwork programmes consist of six weekly sessions led by trained wellbeing workers. Topics include a wide range of issues, including Self Esteem, Anxiety, Healthy relationships, amongst others. Programmes are tailored to group needs and outcomes measured.

Criteria:
Aged 8 to 25 years.
Parental consent required for under-13s.
Access: Referral through schools or direct commissioning.
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

School-based Drop-in Support

Our drop-in service offers brief emotional wellbeing support for young people. Sessions are 20 minutes long, providing an opportunity to off-load and discuss concerns.

Criteria:
Aged 8 to 18 years.
Parental consent required for under-13s.
Access: Referral through schools commissioning GIPSIL.
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

Parent & Guardian Counselling

We provide short-term therapy for parents facing challenges like relationship issues, depression, bereavement, and stress. Sessions are tailored to client goals and delivered by qualified or trainee therapists available Mondays to Friday. Clients receive up to 12 weekly 1:1 sessions via Zoom, phone, or face-to-face.

Criteria:
Open to all parents in the Seacroft Manston Cluster.
Access: Referrals through the Seacroft Manston Cluste.
Email: Beth.Passmore@GIPSIL.org.uk

Therapeutic Assessment

We offer assessments for young people, using creative techniques to evaluate emotional wellbeing and identify potential Autism/ADHD markers. This includes counselling sessions, consultations, and a detailed report with recommendations for further support.

Process:
2 x counselling sessions (up to 1 hour each).
Parent and school consultations.
Evidence provided for Right To Choose pathway.
Formulation report with recommendations.
Criteria:
Children and young people aged 5 to 16 years.
Willing to engage.
Suspected neurodivergent traits.
Access: Referrals through clusters or commissioned schools.
Email: Hannah.Railton@GIPSIL.org.uk

School-based Counselling

Our therapists support young people dealing with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and other issues using creative techniques. Sessions are weekly, 1:1, and tailored to individual needs. Play therapy is typically for younger children, while counselling suits all ages. Clients receive 8-12 sessions.

Criteria:
Children and young people aged 5 to 16 years.
Willing to engage.
Parental consent for under-13s.
Access: Referrals through clusters or schools commissioning GIPSIL.
Email: Hannah.Railton@GIPSIL.org.uk

16 to 25 Wellbeing Support

Text to be supplied.

Criteria:
Aged 8 to 25 years.
Parental consent required for under-12s.

Access: Referral through school clusters or individual schools.
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Outreach

This project addresses Emotional School Avoidance post-COVID, offering trauma-informed support for children with attendance challenges. Sessions include needs assessments and holistic interventions to improve outcomes.

Criteria:
Declining attendance rates.
Frequent lateness, isolation, or truancy.
Access: Referral through school clusters.
Email: chelcey.huxley@gipsil.org.uk

AutPlay Therapy

Therapeutic support for neurodivergent young people, offering creative and tailored approaches that support emotional literacy and social navigation.

Criteria:
Young people must be: Aged 4 -11.
Requiring mental health support.
Exhibiting neurodivergent traits (no diagnosis required).
Access: Sessions can take place in school or at one of our designated GIPSIL hubs.
Email: Hannah.railton@gipsil.org.uk

RISE

Our programmes empower young Black and minority students by addressing racial trauma and fostering resilience through creative expression and systemic change. Co-produced with schools, families, and community leaders, these programmes build inclusive environments for Black boys to thrive.

Criteria:
Secondary-aged children from culturally diverse communities.
Parental consent.
Access: Schools commission and co-produce bespoke programmes .
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk or Camille.Johnson@gipsil.org.uk

Complex Needs Support

The intensive support team provides tailored assistance to young people with complex housing needs and other challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, and trauma. Support includes advocacy, referrals, and personalised goal-setting.

Criteria: Aged 16 to 25 years.
Based in Leeds.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Domestic Abuse Support

Advocacy, emotional and practical support around housing, financial and legal challenges faced by those experiencing domestic abuse aged 16-25 years old.

Criteria:
Aged 16 to 25 years.
Based in Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk or call 0113 391 8000

Healthy Holidays

Our Healthy Holidays service provides free sports, games, and fun activities for children during the school holidays. This initiative helps keep young people active, engaged, and supported while school is out, promoting physical and mental wellbeing in a safe and inclusive environment. With access to hot meals and healthy food education.

Criteria:
Young people aged 5 to 16 years.
Living in Leeds or attending a Leeds-based school.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: Aaron.bell@gipsil.org.uk
Book: Healthy Holidays Leeds

PCAP

We provide access to a qualified Counsellor/Play Therapist experienced in working therapeutically with young people and adults. PCAP is a ten-step programme designed to help parents/guardians strengthen their relationship with their child(ren) at home and beyond.

Criteria:
1. This is available to any adults, but is particularly suited to Foster Carers or adults with a Special Guardianship Order.
2. There may be a waiting list for this service.
3. Sessions take place at one of our designated GIPSIL hubs.
Email: Hannah.railton@gipsil.org.uk