About us
Supporting children with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
For too many children, things are not OK.
One in five children and young people – around 2.8 million – are currently experiencing mental health difficulties, fuelled by an epidemic of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. And the need is closer than we think: in our wider families, our churches and our communities.
Over one million children and young people were referred to mental health services last year. Yet too many still can’t access timely support and are left without hope or help. Without early, effective support, struggles can become entrenched – half of all adult mental health problems are established by age 14.
What happens to us in childhood shapes the course of the rest of our lives.
When children don’t have a safe space to process what they’re going through - whether that’s family breakdown, trauma, bereavement, bullying or other adverse childhood experiences - their emotional and mental wellbeing can suffer. And when a child’s mental health is affected, everything becomes harder.
We believe that no child should have to struggle alone or wait for help – especially when there’s a local church.
That’s where TLG comes in.
We provide local churches with proven programmes, resources and ongoing training – so they can provide meaningful, therapeutic care to children and families going through a tough time.
Together, we offer school-based coaching connecting children with a trusted adult; church-based spaces offering counselling to children and families; and church-run clubs for children and families to share community, belonging and meals that matter.
We are here to make hope real for every child struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing. Because right now, for too many children and young people, the tough stuff is what seems most real – and hope feels far away.
Did you know?
One in five children and young people - around 2.8 million - are experiencing a probable mental health condition.
- NHS Digital, 2023
Did you know?
Half of all adult mental health problems are established by age 14.
- Kessler et al
Did you know?
By the end of March 2025, more than 60,000 children had been waiting over two years for treatment - an increase of more than 15,000 compared to the previous year. Children waiting for support waited an average of 224 days.
- NHS England, 2026
Did you know?
While waiting for mental health support, 26% of children and young people attempt to take their own lives.
- Young Minds, 2024
Watch our
short film
Our story
From one church in Bradford to more than 220 churches across the UK, what began as a local response to a specific need has grown into a nationwide movement of churches supporting children and families with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Travel back with us to 1998 to discover how and where it all began…
The difference we make
Through our nationwide network of partner churches, we equip everyday Christians to support children and families struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Together, we help rewrite lives and make hope real for children and families across the UK.
How we help
We provide local churches with proven programmes so they can offer meaningful, therapeutic support to children and young people in their communities who are finding life tough.
Who we are
We're a team of pioneering Christians, passionate about equipping local churches to walk alongside children and families struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Where we work
We have over 220 TLG partner churches across the UK, each working to support children and families struggling in their local communities. Click below to discover what’s happening near you.
I feel happier now. My mum and dad don’t have to worry about us, what we’re going to do. It's just a joyful experience really - Joe, aged 8, supported at a TLG Make Lunch club
