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Local charity refocuses its mission as demand for children’s mental health support surges

Friday, 12 December 2025 at 16:45

Ilkley resident Mike Davies MBE, founder of The Principle Trust

Local children’s charity, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, has announced a strategic refocusing of its work to place greater emphasis on supporting children experiencing mental health challenges, as concerns continue to grow across the region.

With this refocus, The Principle Trust plans to increase the number of respite breaks it can offer to children struggling with their mental health.

Since its founding, the charity has worked closely with organisations across Yorkshire, addressing urgent issues affecting vulnerable children and families. This partnership-led approach has ensured that its services remain relevant, meaningful, and grounded in real need.

The Charity’s renewed focus comes in response to a sharp rise in mental health difficulties among children nationwide, with the situation particularly troubling in Yorkshire. Families are facing increasing pressure, and many are struggling to access the help their children require. 

The Principle Trust works with key regions across Yorkshire, working with many referring partners who engage with mental health and wellbeing support, including Hull and East Riding, Bradford, Sheffield, and Leeds. The mental health charity, Mind, shared with The Principle Trust that in Bradford, contact with the charity regarding child mental health had risen by 30%, translating to 18,731 contacts. This statistic emphasises the increased demand for mental health support amongst children, not just in Bradford, but across the whole Yorkshire region.

Poor mental health in childhood can carry long-lasting effects, influencing education, confidence, friendships, family relationships, and overall well-being. The Principle Trust has seen firsthand how the crisis is impacting families who turn to the charity for support. 

In strengthening its commitment to children’s mental health, the charity is highlighting the essential role its respite breaks can offer, which provide a safe, calming environment for families to rest, reset, and reconnect. These breaks help reduce stress, rebuild family bonds, and create positive shared experiences, benefits that parents regularly report as having a meaningful impact on their child’s wellbeing. 

Mike Davies MBE, Founder and Chairperson of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, said:

“Our work has always been shaped by the needs of the families we serve. Today, we are seeing a growing number of children struggling with their mental health, and this demands a clearer, stronger response. By refocusing our mission and increasing the number of respite breaks we offer, we’re ensuring our support reaches those who need it most, when they need it most. A simple break can provide space to breathe, reconnect, and restore hope.”

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