Meet our Child Mental Health Charter Committee.

As an accredited Play Therapist, initially writing to my MP was a scary thought, but I knew I had to support the many families I work with on a daily basis, who face struggles because of “the systems”.

But the journey that has followed, initially writing to my MP, has led me to speak at the PTUK conference in 2022, expressing my passion for children’s mental health and then having the privilege to represent PTUK, by speaking at the All Party Parliamentary Group at the Houses of Parliament, on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, in June 2022….Wow…

More recently I have taken over the role of Child Mental Health Charter Committee Co Ordinator. In this role I am keen for us collectively to contact as many MP’s as we can and encourage them to sign their support and raise the concerns on children’s mental health in Parliament.

Together we are stronger……we really are…

I have always been passionate about making a difference to the support available for children and so, when I heard about the CMHC, I knew it was something I needed to be involved with.

Since 2022, I have been a committee member for the CMHC and it is so exciting to look back at the progress and difference we have made over the years. The charter has gone from strength to strength and has presented some amazing opportunities. I have spoken at the PTUK Conference, represented the charter at both the House of Commons and House of Lords, our work has been published into journals and papers and I’ve even spoken on the radio! It has, more recently, led to me taking over the roles of ‘Writing Lead’ and ‘Communications Lead’ for the charter.

Meeting with my MP was a daunting prospect, but knowing how important the Child’s Mental Health Charter campaign is, it didn’t feel like a choice – more something I just needed to do. My experience of meeting with my MP was positive and I urge you to contact your MP for a meeting if you feel able, and if not, to send the template letter. You could make a real difference to our campaign and to the children who could benefit from it!

The charter campaign is making a real difference and starting conversations – get involved now and write to your MP. We can support you if you are able to organize a meeting with them. Let’s get the word out about the six principles and the difference they will make to the lives of children.

Hi, I’m Gina, a PTUK Accredited Play Therapist and MFL Teacher at The Canterbury Primary School, with over 10 years of experience supporting children’s learning and emotional well-being, including those with SEN. My background in child psychology sparked a lifelong passion for helping children grow in confidence, resilience, and self-expression.

Training with PTUK and embracing CMHC six principles has been truly transformative, deepening my commitment to create a therapeutic space where children feel heard, valued, and supported—and where our profession is recognised and celebrated.

I believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment that encourages free expression and helps them reach their full potential.  Play therapy plays a vital role in achieving this, empowering children to grow emotionally and thrive.

My name is Joe Dolan, I’m a play therapist based in Lancashire. I’m committed to providing high-quality, specialised care – tailored to each child’s needs.

As a member of the Children’s Mental Health Charter Committee, I’m passionate about enacting change in my area to ensure all children receive the best possible support – as early as possible, for as long as they feel they need it.

Hi, I’m Melanie, a qualified SENDCo and Play Therapist registered with PTUK.  I own Precious Hands SEND Support & Therapies in Gloucester. After working as a primary school teacher for over 20 years and qualifying as a Special Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) I could see the critical need for mental health support for children.  Through my role in school, I could see the legislation around ensuring therapeutic support was provided only by qualified therapists, was not in place. This is leaving our children and young people vulnerable to unqualified practitioners.

I have joined the CMHC Committee to help to bring change to the law around working as a mental health professional.  Our goal is to ensure our children and young people have access to only high quality mental health support from qualified, registered professionals.

I have been working with Children for over 12 years in both Poland and England. Having spent the last 10 years teaching in UK classrooms, I have experienced working with a huge range of children with varying levels of need. I’ve worked alongside an Autism Base, hearing and visual impairment teams and many other external agencies to help improve my practice for individual children. Children are not suited to a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Since the pandemic, I have witnessed a rise in children’s levels of emotional need in school. To better equip myself to try and meet this growing need, I’ve begun training as a Play Therapist with PTUK.

Play Therapy training and meeting with like-minded Play Therapists is showing me the difference that can be made in children’s lives, with the right knowledge. The impact of this growing profession is huge on a child’s overall wellbeing. I whole-heartedly believe that it is a service that should be accessible to all, not just the few.

Hi, I’m Sarah a Play Therapist registered with PTUK and have completed an MA in Practice Based Play Therapy.

I chose this career after being a Foster Carer for many years and to witness how vital it was for a child who struggled to express themselves verbally to be listened to and be able to express their thoughts, feelings and to have the space to play out their trauma.

I became interested in being part of the Child Mental Health Charter to try and create change at governmental level and passionately believe in the Charters 6 main principles. It is vital that the voice of the child should be heard and respected, that the therapist is trained to a high level and regulated, and that funding should be provided to support the mental health of our children.