Our board of trustees, counsel of references and founder all share the same vision and values and have extensive experience working with children, young people and families whom have special educational needs, social emotional mental health diffiuclties or have experienced trauma.

Our ethos is based on displaying empathy, unconditional positive regard, compassion, respect and understanding to all the children, young people and families we work alongside.

We have seen both professionally, personally and researched statistically how detrimental it can be for children and young people if they are not given support when experiencing difficult times. Furthermore, how there has been a significant increase in anxiety, stress and social emotional and mental health issues in children and young people in recent years.

Through critically reflecting on what was successful during our professional careers, one element remained consistent throughout, this was, how, one-2-one support can positively impact a child or young person’s emotional well-being – with specific focus on supporting the child or young person to discover their strengths and being taught strategies that helps them self-regulate their emotions and behaviours. 

We founded THRIVE emotional well-being and inclusion support to provide free support and guidance to children, young people and families in our community.

Louise Fenlon

I have worked professionally in the field of Social Emotional-Mental Health Difficulties and Special Educational Needs for over 25 years. I have a Bachelor of Philosophy (Birmingham) research degree in Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties in children and young people. I am an accredited provider of the Cool Kids Anxiety Program and a Designated Safeguard Lead Level 3.

I think it is important to provide an empathic and non-judgemental space for children and young people to share their experiences, feelings, hopes and concerns.

Building genuine relationships and making connections based on compassion, sensitivity and respect is at the core of my work, and the foundation in the development of a tailored and flexible support plans for children and young people.

Charity Founder

Charity Director and Service Lead

BPhil. SEMH

Our Trustees

Susan Shepherd

My background is in office management /administration I am a qualified bookkeeper. I was a finance manager for a special educational needs school and helped developed policies and procedures. I was a company secretary and office manager to an independent company and developed administration systems that supported the growth of the company.

I have worked with children and young people in various capacities for over 30 years. I was a teacher in a Social Emotional Mental Health educational setting, a specialist HLTA (emotionally supporting and mentoring children and young people with SEMH needs). I am currently a foster parent – specialising in mother and babies and thier have experience and training in safeguarding.

Angie Sykes

Wendy Drage

I have over 30 years’ experience in office administration. I was a school administrator in a large specialist educational setting, with vast experience of liaising with local authorities, social services, senior leadership teams and middle managers. I have assisted in supporting parents, children, young people and staff members with any administration support they needed.

Our Council of Reference

Chris Moffett

I have over 40 years’ experience teaching Maths to children and young people. I was the Vice Principal and head of education at a school that specialises in teaching young people who have experienced trauma or has Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties. I am currently an online maths tutor, developing my students’ academic knowledge and supporting them through their GCSE’s.

Marc Wenham

I am currently working as a Network manager in a charitable school that specialises in teaching young people who have experienced trauma or have Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties. I have worked there for over 25 years and have extensive knowledge in data protection, data retention, online safety and acceptable use.

MA (Cantab)