The Little Links project focuses on the needs of children aged 0-12. The project aims to help the children develop resilience in order to be able to manage their emotions and cope with the stressful situations they may be experiencing. A range of interventions are provided including one-to-one support, group sessions, activities and outings.

The aims of the project are to:

• increase the children’s self-confidence and emotional well-being
• improve family relationships
• have fun

Our coffee mornings (informal groups) run twice a week and provide an opportunity for children (under 5) and their mums to come along and relax in our large living room area. During the session the families receive support to address any challenges they may be experiencing and they will also have the opportunity to build new relationships in a safe environment.

We also run weekly afternoon sessions for children aged 5 to12. The sessions engage the children and their parents in a wide range of activities, facilitated by our project worker. Within the sessions we encourage the children to explore their emotions and also to express them in all their different forms. We aim to create a safe environment where children can feel free to open up about any issues they may be experiencing. The families also enjoy sitting around a table to eat and chat together in a warm and welcoming environment. Snacks are also provided.

Throughout the year we also organise picnics in the garden and offer fun outing. These are all different opportunities for our families to have fun, experience something new and also to enjoy new interaction and improve existent ones.

During the sessions our project worker supports the children and their mums to improve and develop various tools and techniques to help recognise and manage emotions (such as anger, frustration, etc.) as well as to build self-esteem and strategies for coping with any difficulty they may be experiencing.