What is provided

The Cool Kids Programme is a structured, yet flexible, 10-session program developed by researchers at Macquarie University. While the program is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), it can be modified to meet the individual needs of each child or young person. The programme can be delivered on a one-to-one basis or in small groups.

Delivered by Louise Fenlon, our accredited programme provider, the Cool Kids Programme is designed for children and young people aged 7 to 17. Although the core skills are the same across all age groups, the examples and explanations are tailored to be age-appropriate. Participants are also encouraged to complete tasks at home to reinforce the knowledge and skills they are learning, further supporting their progress and personal development.

The aim of the service is to teach practical skills and techniques to children and young people to help improve the management of their anxiety. This is achieved through:

• Cognitive restructuring

• Graded exposure (stepladders)

• Encouraging independence and confidence

Through these approaches, the service aims to equip children and young people with the tools they need to manage anxiety and feel more in control of their emotions and reactions.

To help make a child or young person's worries feel more manageable and to introduce the CBT model, the Cool Kids Programme breaks anxiety down into three key components:

1. Body/Physical

2. Thoughts/Cognitions

3. Actions/Behaviour

Additionally, the programme also supports parents, helping them develop effective ways to supportively react to their child or young person’s anxiety, encouraging their independence and fostering resilience. This collaborative approach ensures that the child or young person feels supported both at home and during their sessions, empowering them to face and overcome their fears.

Duration of programme

The Cool Kids Programme is delivered once a week for one hour.

Although it is a structured 10-12 week CBT course, the programme is flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each child or young person. If certain topics or activities require more time due to in-depth discussions or if the child or young person requests to revisit tasks to reinforce their skills and knowledge, additional weeks will be added to the program. This ensures that each participant receives the appropriate support and has the opportunity to fully grasp and apply the techniques they are learning.

The sessions can be delivered at our premises in Tonbridge, at the school or educational setting the child or young person attends or in the family home.

*If the session is delivered at the family home, the mentor will not be able to enter the home or conduct the session unless a parent or guardian is present.

These measures ensure the safety and well-being of the child or young person throughout the mentoring process.

Where are the sessions delivered

Any child or young person who lives in Tonbridge, Kent and is between the ages of 8-16 years.

The Cool Kids Anxiety Programme is suitable for children and young people for whom is experiencing low to mid-level anxiety and whom anxiety is a central difficulty. It is available to child or young person whom reside in Tonbridge and are between the ages of 7-17 years

As an inclusive charity, we do not discriminate, and there is no selection process for our services. Referrals will be allocated in chronological order upon receipt of the referral form.

NB:
However, we would like to highlight that if we determine our services are not suitable for a child or young person, and continuing with our support could potentially put them or their family at further risk or exacerbate the difficulties they are experiencing, we will endeavour to find a more suitable professional organisation. This ensures that they receive the correct support to meet their specific needs.

Who can access the programme