Business Details
34 Years
experience
Support for Children & Young People Affected by Bereavement
Established in 1992, Youthlife has dedicated over three decades to supporting children and young people aged 5-25 affected by bereavement, separation, or loss. Our organisation was founded by parents concerned about the emotional impact of loss on children, and we have since grown into a vital community resource. We provide free, confidential 1:1 counselling sessions led by qualified professionals with specialist experience in child and adolescent mental health. Our team includes counsellors, art therapists, and trained peer mentors who have personal experience of bereavement. We deliver age-appropriate group programmes in schools, youth clubs, and our Derry centre, addressing issues such as anxiety, trauma, and suicide-related loss.As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, we maintain rigorous professional standards. Our staff actively participate in practitioner networks to advance youth wellbeing and suicide prevention. With over 250 annual referrals from healthcare providers, schools, and families, we ensure timely support through structured assessments and flexible therapy contracts. Our services extend to outreach programmes and community workshops, reflecting our commitment to accessible, holistic care.
Services
1:1 Counselling
Art Therapy
Peer Mentoring
Anxiety Workshops
Mind Body Fit Programme
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialist experience in youth bereavement support
- All counsellors hold accredited qualifications in child and adolescent therapy
- Peer mentors with lived experience provide relatable support
- We maintain strict professional standards through BACP membership
- Our services are specifically designed for Northern Ireland's community needs
Associations and certifications
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Services
1:1 Counselling
Confidential one-to-one sessions with qualified counsellors specialising in child and adolescent mental health. Our therapists help young people explore emotional challenges in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Sessions address bereavement, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Art Therapy
Holistic psychotherapy combining art-making with mental health treatment. Qualified art therapists guide young people through self-expression using various media. This non-verbal approach helps process complex emotions and trauma, requiring no prior artistic experience or skill.
Peer Mentoring
Support programmes connecting young people with trained mentors who have experienced similar losses. These relationships provide relatable role models and practical coping strategies. Sessions focus on building resilience and emotional understanding through lived experience.
Anxiety Workshops
Structured group sessions teaching anxiety management techniques to 11-13 year olds. Four-week programmes cover mindfulness, breathing exercises, and cognitive behavioural techniques. Participants learn practical tools to manage stress and build emotional regulation skills.
Mind Body Fit
Four-week holistic health programme combining physical activity with mental wellbeing. Young women develop fitness routines while exploring emotional health connections. Sessions integrate movement, nutrition education, and mindfulness practices to support overall wellbeing.
People
Caroline Temple
Manager
Caroline Temple leads Youthlife's operations with over 20 years' experience in youth mental health services. She oversees programme delivery, staff training, and strategic development while maintaining direct client contact. Caroline ensures organisational compliance with BACP standards.
Questions
How can I access Youthlife's services?
Referrals come from GPs, schools, social workers, or self-referral through our website. Contact us directly for an initial assessment to determine appropriate support.
What age groups do you support?
We provide services for children and young people aged 5-25 years through age-specific programmes and individual counselling sessions.
Are your services confidential?
Yes, all counselling sessions maintain strict confidentiality within child protection guidelines, creating a safe space for open discussion.
Do you offer emergency support?
While we're not an emergency service, we prioritise urgent cases and provide crisis management guidance through our regular support channels.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Our qualified counsellors employ evidence-based methods including CBT, person-centred therapy, and creative techniques tailored to each young person's needs.
