Children and Young People

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 When used:
When a child needs to build trust, confidence or feel safe with adults

What it looks like:
Calm, one-to-one time with simple activities, shared play and predictable routines

Practical benefits:
• Builds trust and a sense of safety
• Increases confidence in communication
• Helps children feel more settled and able to engage
• Strengthens connection with adults

Suggested Ages: 5–17 (adapted for older children where needed)

Communication styles:
Supports children who are hesitant, anxious, masking, or need time to feel safe before engaging

When used:
When a child finds it difficult to talk directly about thoughts, feelings or experiences

What it looks like:
A weekly, structured session where the child draws and talks at their own pace

Practical benefits:
• Allows expression without pressure to “talk it out”
• Helps process experiences gradually
• Builds emotional understanding
• Increases confidence in sharing

Suggested Ages: 5–adult  (structured 12-session programme)

Communication styles:
Ideal for children who are quieter, internalise feelings, or struggle with direct conversation

When used:
When a child struggles to put feelings into words or becomes overwhelmed when talking

What it looks like:
Creating scenes in sand using small figures to represent people, places or experiences

Practical benefits:
• Expresses feelings without needing words
• Creates distance from difficult experiences
• Supports emotional processing safely
• Builds a sense of control and understanding

Suggested Ages: 5–14

Communication styles:
Supports non-verbal communicators, visual thinkers, and children who find talking difficult

When used:
When a child needs support with communication, turn-taking or social confidence

What it looks like:
Structured building tasks with clear roles, either one-to-one or in a small group

Practical benefits:
• Develops turn-taking and listening
• Builds confidence in interacting with others
• Encourages teamwork and shared attention
• Creates positive social experiences

Suggested Ages:: 6–14

Communication styles:
Supports children who benefit from structure, routine, and clear roles (including many neurodivergent children)

When used:
When a child or young person feels more comfortable engaging through digital environments

What it looks like:
Guided gameplay where the child builds, explores and completes structured tasks

Practical benefits:
• Builds confidence through world-building and control
• Introduces challenge in a safe, manageable way
• Supports problem-solving and flexible thinking
• Develops cooperation and conflict management

Suggested Ages:: 8–17

Communication styles:
Supports children who prefer digital interaction, struggle with face-to-face communication, or engage best through shared activity

When used:
When a child benefits from imaginative or indirect ways of expressing themselves

What it looks like:
Using toys, figures or stories to explore ideas, relationships and experiences

Practical benefits:
• Allows safe exploration of feelings through play
• Helps children represent real-life situations
• Encourages trying out different responses
• Builds confidence in self-expression

Suggested Ages: 5–12

Communication styles:
Supports imaginative thinkers, children who avoid direct discussion, and those who express themselves through play

When used:
When a child struggles to feel calm, settled or in control of their emotions

What it looks like:
Calm adult support, gentle guidance and shared regulation strategies

Practical benefits:
• Helps children feel safe and supported
• Teaches recognition of emotions
• Builds calming and coping strategies
• Develops long-term regulation skills

Suggested Ages:: 5–17

Communication styles:
Supports children with high emotional responses, sensory needs, or difficulty self-regulating

When used:
When a child is ready to understand and manage thoughts and behaviours more directly

What it looks like:
Simple, practical strategies using visuals, discussion and real-life examples

Practical benefits:
• Helps manage worries and overthinking
• Builds problem-solving skills
• Develops emotional awareness
• Increases confidence in handling situations

Suggested Ages: 8–17

Communication styles:
Best suited to children who can reflect, talk through ideas, or benefit from structure and logic

When used:
When a child needs support with calming, focus or sleep

What it looks like:
Gentle guided relaxation using breathing, imagery and focus techniques

Practical benefits:
• Reduces tension and stress
• Helps children feel calm and in control
• Improves focus and attention
• Supports sleep and settling

Suggested Ages: 6–17

Communication styles:
Supports children who respond well to imagery, rhythm, or guided focus