We’re incredibly proud to share that CARES (Compassionate and Responsive Educational Support) has been featured in the local news, shining a light on the vital work we do to support children’s mental health. The recent article highlights the powerful story of one of our co-founders, Danielle Brand, and how her personal experiences have shaped CARES into the compassionate, trauma-informed organisation it is today.
Using Personal Experiences to Fuel Change
Danielle, a Burnley-based teacher and mother of two, bravely shared her heart-breaking story of childhood sexual abuse and how it led her to create CARES. Her journey of overcoming trauma has not only been a source of strength for her personally but has also become the foundation for our mission at CARES – to equip educators, parents, and organisations with the tools to support children dealing with difficult emotions.
As Danielle explained in the article, children who have experienced trauma often express it through disruptive behaviour, which can easily be misunderstood in the classroom. Unfortunately, this can lead to harmful labels like “naughty,” which fail to address the root cause of their distress. At CARES, we believe that children should be seen as whole individuals, and their emotional well-being should be nurtured with empathy and understanding.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Support
Our approach at CARES isn’t just about addressing the behaviour you see on the surface. We work with schools, including those like Hapton CE/Methodist Primary School, to train teachers on how to identify the trauma behind a child’s behaviour and offer empathetic responses. But we don’t stop there. We also work directly with parents and offer one-to-one support for children to help them better understand and manage their emotions.
What makes our programme unique is that it supports not only the child but the entire community around them. By offering certified “this school CARES accreditation” to schools, we create an environment where teachers, staff, and parents can all work together to ensure that children feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Building a Better Future for Children in Our Community
As the news article shared, both Danielle and Gemma, our other co-founder, have dedicated themselves to working within schools and communities, helping children who come from challenging backgrounds. Whether these challenges stem from mental illness in the family, substance abuse, or parental incarceration, the impact on a child’s mental health is significant.
Gemma has spent over 16 months working directly in schools, helping young people who may be struggling due to bullying or family issues. Our goal is to ensure that no child feels like just a “shell of themselves” by the time they reach secondary school. At CARES, we’re committed to offering real, compassionate solutions to support the long-term well-being of every child we work with.
We’re Just Getting Started
This local news coverage is just the beginning for CARES. We’re grateful to have our mission recognised by the community, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work to help children across the region. If you’d like to learn more about how CARES can support your school or organisation, or if you’re interested in receiving our training, please get in touch with us.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children by ensuring they receive the compassionate and responsive support they deserve.