TLG across the UK
Across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, children, families and communities experience challenges and opportunities unique to their location, shaped by distinct policy, education and social care landscapes.
At TLG, we recognise that meaningful Early Intervention, Make Lunch and community support must reflect these local contexts. Through collaboration with schools, churches, community partners and policy makers, we seek to ensure that our programmes are responsive, relevant and effective, helping children and families across the nation to thrive.
Northern Ireland
We’ve been working with churches in Northern Ireland to make hope real for children struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing. Across six Early Intervention partner churches, 33 trained volunteer coaches have supported 45 children, delivering 984 one-to-one coaching sessions. In a country where one in four children lives in poverty and mental health challenges remain higher than the UK average, this support matters deeply.
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12.6% of children and young people in Northern Ireland experience common mood disorders such as anxiety and depression (NI Youth Wellbeing Survey)
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Children are more likely to experience mental health issues if they live in deprived areas or have a parent with mental ill-health (niyouthassembly.org)
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One in four children in Northern Ireland live in poverty (JRF)
We’re delighted to share that TLG is the Presbyterian Women’s Special Home project for 2026-2027!
Billy's story
Meet Billy from Northern Ireland, whose life changed through TLG Early Intervention coaching. Watch his story to see how TLG coach Heather worked with him on his anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation, helping him find confidence and hope.
Scotland
With one in five children in Scotland living in poverty, around 210,000 affected by food insecurity, and mental health referrals continuing to rise, local church-based support is crucial.
TLG is partnering with local churches across Scotland to offer compassionate, trauma-informed, and therapeutic support to children and families facing tough times:
- Currently, 23 Early Intervention coaches have supported 38 children through 789 one-to-one sessions, helping them build confidence, learn to regulate their emotions, and feel seen and valued.
- Through six Make Lunch partner churches, families can also find welcoming spaces, nutritious meals and community when pressure is high.
"Building that positive relationship and having someone they can trust, someone that's not part of their family, someone that's not part of the school community directly, is a real safety net for them and they really do value having that open outlet and that safe space to be able to be themselves.” - Kirsty, Dunfermline
Make Lunch in Aberdeen
Through practical help, meals and meaningful relationships, Make Lunch in Sheddocksley has strengthened community connections, created a sense of belonging, and brought hope to families who need it most.
Wales
With 31% of children in Wales living in poverty, many families reducing or skipping meals, and almost half of secondary-aged young people reporting raised mental health symptoms, early, compassionate support is urgently needed. TLG is working alongside churches in Wales to bring steady, local support to children and families facing real pressure:
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To date, 21 Early Intervention coaches have supported 37 children through 688 one-to-one sessions, helping them grow in confidence, manage difficult emotions and feel seen.
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Two Make Lunch partner churches are also creating spaces where families can enjoy wholesome meals, friendship and belonging.
Make Lunch in Anglesey
For Katherine, Lee and their six children, Make Lunch in Anglesey, Wales, became more than meals and activities – it became a place of safety, friendship and community. Watch their story to see how one Welsh church is helping families find connection, confidence and hope during the school holidays and beyond.
If you’re based in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales and would like to explore partnering with TLG, our Devolved Nations Lead, Jo Mcilwaine, is here to answer your questions, explore ideas and support you.
Email: Jo.Mcilwaine@tlg.org.uk
