Families striving towards a life they love and believe is possible
Lightwork is a specialist charity supporting children, young people and families through Play Therapy, Brainspotting Therapy and family support.
We work with the body as well as the mind, helping families find greater safety, emotional regulation, confidence and resilience.
A different way of supporting children, young people and families
Lightwork works with children, young people and families who may be experiencing difficult or overwhelming circumstances, including trauma, grief, anxiety, difficulties at school, family breakdown, addiction or self-harming behaviours.
By the time a family reaches us, they may have been trying to find the right support for a long time. We believe that meaningful change starts with feeling safe, understood and supported.
Our approach looks beyond symptoms and diagnosis. We work gently with the person, the body, the family and the wider support system around them.
How we can help
Lightwork works with the whole family through three interlinked strands of support.
Who we support
Every family is different. Our support is shaped around the child, young person and family in front of us.
Working with the body as well as the mind
All three strands of Lightwork’s work are somatic: they work with the body and nervous system, not just the mind.
We believe that feeling safe is the foundation for change. From there, children, young people and families can begin to develop emotional regulation, confidence, coping skills and resilience.
The difference Lightwork makes
Since 2020, Lightwork has directly supported around 500 children and young people through one-to-one work, as well as more than 4,500 people through group programmes.
Our impact has been independently reviewed by Insley Consulting using anonymised case files, matched Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires, family interviews and other feedback.
93%
reported their difficulties easing (n=94)
76%
reported their emotional difficulties easing (n=94)
83%
reported their externalising difficulties easing (n=94)
9.8/10
average rating for how welcoming Lightwork feels
A real family story
Learning to feel safe again
Aisling and Sophia’s story
After a house fire, five-year-old Sophia became frightened by smoke and fire alarms and began experiencing panic attacks.
Through Play Therapy, Sophia was able to explore and process what had happened to her in a way that made sense to her: through play.
After several sessions, her mum noticed Sophia becoming herself again. The fear that had once affected her every day began to lose its hold.
“I’d say: do it, wouldn’t even be a second thought.”
Sophia’s mum
A space designed to feel safe
From the moment families arrive, we want Lightwork to feel welcoming, relaxing and safe.
Our space has been thoughtfully created to help children, young people and adults feel comfortable, with an inclusive playroom, comfortable therapy spaces and small details designed around individual needs.