Place2Be: The UK’s Leading Force in Children’s Mental Health Support
Place2Be is one of the most influential and trusted children’s mental health charities in the United Kingdom. With over 30 years of dedicated service in schools, communities and training environments, the organisation has transformed how mental health is understood, discussed and supported for children and young people. Founded in 1994 by Dame Benita (Benny) Refson, Place2Be has grown into a national leader delivering in-school counselling, emotional support, mental health training and professional development programmes across England, Scotland and Wales.
What Is Place2Be? A Complete Overview
Place2Be is a UK-based non-profit organisation specialising in children’s mental health support. It provides integrated, school-based counselling, emotional assistance and early intervention programmes to ensure that every child has access to mental health care in a safe and familiar environment.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
From the beginning, Place2Be’s mission has been simple yet powerful: to improve children’s mental health by offering accessible, professional and compassionate support directly within schools. The organisation recognises that early emotional challenges, if left unaddressed, can evolve into lifelong mental health difficulties. By working within schools, Place2Be ensures children receive help precisely where they spend most of their time.
H3: A Whole-School Approach
Unlike traditional counselling services that rely on external spaces or referrals, Place2Be embeds trained mental health professionals directly into school communities. This “whole-school approach” means pupils, parents, carers and teachers all benefit from a network of emotional support, resources and professional guidance.
History of Place2Be: From Foundation to National Impact
Founded by Dame Benita (Benny) Refson
Place2Be was established in 1994 by Dame Benita Refson, a visionary leader who recognised the urgent need for emotional support services within primary and secondary schools. Her experience in youth development and community work ignited her passion to create an organisation that addressed emotional wellbeing right at the root.
During her tenure as Chief Executive from 1994 to 2013, the charity grew from a modest school-based project into a nationally recognised leader in children’s mental health support across the United Kingdom.
Dame Benita Refson’s Continued Influence
After leading the organisation for almost two decades, Dame Benita became President of Place2Be in 2014. Her strategic guidance, public advocacy and ongoing dedication continue to shape the charity’s direction. Her honours, including an OBE and later a Damehood (DBE), reflect her exceptional contribution to the mental health and education sectors.
Leadership Today: Catherine Roche as CEO
A New Era of Growth and Innovation
In January 2014, Catherine Roche became the Chief Executive Officer of Place2Be, succeeding the founder. Her leadership has elevated the organisation to new heights, ensuring that Place2Be remains the leading provider of school-based mental health support.
Extensive Experience and Proven Impact
Catherine Roche joined Place2Be in 2003, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and later Deputy Chief Executive before becoming CEO. With her strong background in operational management and strategic leadership, she has strengthened Place2Be’s national presence, enhanced its training programmes and amplified its impact within school communities.
A Workforce Focused on Wellbeing
Under her direction, The organisation has created a hybrid workforce model, offering flexible working arrangements while maintaining high-quality, in-school support. Her efforts have also advanced the development of the UK mental health workforce through professional training, counselling qualifications and continuous skills development.
Specialties of Place2Be: What the Organisation Does Best
One-to-One Counselling for Children
Place2Be’s core service is its structured, therapeutic one-to-one counselling for children who face emotional challenges such as anxiety, behavioural issues, grief, trauma or bullying. Counselling is carried out by trained practitioners who use age-appropriate methodologies tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
Group Work and Creative Interventions
Small group sessions focus on resilience, social skills, emotional expression and confidence-building. Creative activities, play therapies and storytelling techniques allow children to explore feelings in a comfortable, non-intimidating way.
Support for Parents and Families
The organisation offers workshops, guidance sessions and counselling for parents and carers. By strengthening family communication and emotional support systems, it ensures that wellbeing extends beyond the classroom.
Mental Health Training for School Staff
Teachers and school leaders receive training to help them recognise early signs of emotional distress, respond effectively and provide practical support in their daily interactions with pupils.
Professional Counselling Qualifications
The organisation has become an expert training provider, offering accredited counselling qualifications that help build the UK’s children’s mental health workforce.
Key Facts
Founded
The organisation was founded in 1994 by Dame Benita Refson.
Headquarters
The organisation is headquartered in London, England, and operates across the UK.
H3: Website
Official website: Place2Be.org.uk
Organisation Type
Place2Be is a UK non-profit organisation providing school-based mental health services.
The Impact of Place2Be on UK Schools
Reaching Thousands of Children
With over three decades of experience, The organisation supports tens of thousands of pupils annually through direct counselling, drop-in sessions and group work.
Empowering School Communities
The organisation empowers teachers, parents and carers with essential tools and resources to create emotionally literate, supportive environments.
Leading the Conversation on Children’s Mental Health
The organisation is the driving force behind Children’s Mental Health Week, an annual nationwide campaign raising awareness about young people’s wellbeing.
Why Place2Be Matters Today
In a time when children face increasing pressures—from academic expectations to digital lifestyles and emotional challenges—Place2Be’s work has become more vital than ever. Mental health struggles often begin early, and Place2Be provides intervention at the most crucial stage: childhood.
Early Intervention Saves Lives
Addressing emotional difficulties in school years prevents escalation into adulthood, reducing the long-term burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system.
Breaking the Stigma
By making mental health support a daily, normal part of school life, Place2Be helps dismantle stigma, ensuring that children feel comfortable seeking help.
Building a Stronger Future Generation
Place2Be’s impact extends far beyond individual pupils; it supports the development of a healthier, more resilient generation equipped to handle the challenges of life.
Conclusion
Place2Be stands as the UK’s premier provider of school-based children’s mental health services. Founded by Dame Benita (Benny) Refson and led today by CEO Catherine Roche, the organisation has devoted over 30 years to improving children’s emotional wellbeing, supporting families and training the next generation of mental health professionals. With specialties ranging from counselling and resilience-building to staff training and national advocacy, Place2Be continues to shape the future of mental health support in UK schools.
