The Kid in the Crate is a story

It is also a metaphor for things that are difficult in our lives

We hope that those who read or listen to the book will be encouraged to think about things that are happening every day in the world, and in our lives, that we don’t always give space to talk about. The book, accompanying workshops and training are about giving time and space to have discussions. To think about our feelings, thoughts and actions, how we can help ourselves and how we can help each other. Kid in the Crate story can be used with young people, parents, carers, in schools, youth centres, and colleges, and with professionals in youth work, education and mental health.

Meet the team behind the story

Leanne is passionate about all things mental health. This ignited after a positive experience of young people’s mental health services, where she joined the local participation group. Now a decade on, Leanne has held various lived experience roles in a range of spaces, locally and nationally, has co-edited a book on participation in children and young people’s mental health and holds a number of lived experienced positions.

Duncan has worked as a clinical psychologist for over thirty years, working across mental health settings both for adults and for children and young people. He has a strong interest in social justice, health equality and community psychology. He has worked in the NHS as well as charitable and third sector organisations. He is currently a visiting professor at University College London and offers applied psychology consultation to organisations and individuals.

Wendy is a parent with lived experience who has been involved in a variety of initiatives to promote the role parents and carers can play in improving children and young people’s mental health.  Wendy has over 20 years’ experience working in schools, statutory and voluntary sector with a focus on community engagement and working with families.

The Kid in the Crate team offer bespoke training and consultation to:

schools, parent support groups, Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Services, social care, youth clubs, and other groups

use the contact form below to get in touch and we can discuss the best way to help you

Contact us

For more information about training, getting hold of copies of the book and other resources, or to just let us know your thoughts, please get in touch.

Difficult Feelings

We all struggle with difficult feelings from time to time. If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust – this might be a family member, a friend, a spiritual leader, a community worker, or someone else who supports you.

Unfortunately we aren’t able to respond to individual issues. If you are struggling there is lots of support out there, try Hub of Hope www.hubofhope.co.uk to see what’s available in your local area.

If you are in a crisis, call the NHS on 999 or 111 or call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.