Purpose:

We exist to create a world where young people thrive, unrestricted by the challenges of mental and emotional wellbeing.

Private Counselling

The Parachute Project offers support via private counselling and within schools.

The support is offered in a child counselling format and is aimed at 6-18-year old’s who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, low mood, family and peer relationships, ASD and ADHD identity, and trauma. This will ensure that children are equipped with the tools to manage their own emotional wellbeing.

Mission:

We do this by harnessing young people’s emotional wellbeing, delivering the support and skills to overcome barriers, and achieve happiness and success.

Meet Abi

Qualified Social Worker

Specialisms

  • Supporting children with complex emotional and mental health needs
  • Managing self-harm
  • Risk management
  • Child and family assessments
  • Childhood trauma
  • Childhood loss and bereavement
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Attachment and child development
  • ASD & ADHD
  • Restorative practice
  • Strengthening families coordinator
  • Therapeutic family practitioner
  • ZAP anti-bullying facilitator
  • NNEB Nursery Nurse

Abi founded The Parachute Project after spending nearly 25 years working professionally with children and families facing adversity, having heard parents/carers and professionals’ frustrations about the need for accessible early intervention for children with mental health and behavioural related issues, Abi’s mission is to deliver this service by providing psychoeducation at an early stage – improving emotional resilience in young people. Abi has used all her experience to put together unique programs of support that have been proven to bring about positive changes in young people’s self-esteem, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

I qualified as a social worker in the year 2000 after initially leaving school and qualifying as a nursery nurse and spending some time working for the Local Authority with children with disabilities.

I love working with children of all ages and my key skills have always revolved around building meaningful relationships with young people and their families and effecting positive change in their lives. As a Social Worker I have specialized in 3 main areas: Safeguarding Children, Children with Disabilities and Children’s Mental Health. I have worked in London, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. I have been employed by Children’s Services in both social care and the education sectors as well as for the NHS within the CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Service). I have extensive further training and experience in the following areas: -Family assessment, risk assessment, self-harm, bullying, loss and bereavement, childhood trauma, ASD and ADHD, parenting, attachment and neurodevelopment, parent led CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), restorative practice, child protection, childhood anxiety and creative and play therapies. I have combined all these skills to offer children support via private counselling and within schools

I believe that statutory services are potentially damaging young people by scaling their level of need and turning children away for not being” bad enough”, this is due to the services being underfunded. It Is also my opinion that if expert mental health education and support was more accessible in schools’ young people would become more resilient and have more positive outcomes. I believe that delivering my unique programs of support privately and in schools will help to reduce the numbers of young people whose names are on NHS waiting lists and ensure the right young people get the right level of support at the right time.

Abi also carries out independent social work assessments for both the local authority and in private law proceedings. Abi has had extensive experience working in the family court and is able to carry out both wishes and feelings work with children, parenting assessments and offer tailored support to families in these circumstances.

Meet Lucy

Mental Health Practitioner

Specialisms

  • Solutions-focused therapy
  • Sand-tray therapy
  • Managing family conflict
  • Family network facilitator
  • Solihull approach facilitator
  • ASD & ADHD – TENANCY TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Lucy worked as a family practitioner at Family Action for four years before joining The Parachute Project. This was following completing a Psychology degree with the Open University, covering modules such as childhood psychology, sports psychology, mental health, counselling and forensic psychology

Lucy has had voluntary placements with the one to one project and worked in areas of health psychology research at the University of East Anglia.

I take a holistic approach working with children and their families, I have additional training in motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, family network training, dealing with parental conflict, attachment and brain development, understanding stress and anxiety in autism and understanding and supporting ADHD.

I am also a qualified British Horse Society accredited horse riding coach, and have taught many children to ride and coached them through times when they have felt nervous or unsure, building their confidence to be successful in their riding. This aspect transfers to my mental health interventions with children, encouraging and supporting them to see their full potential even when there are setbacks or challenges in their lives.
I trained to lead on Early Help Assessment and Plan (EHAP) meetings and have worked with many other agencies. Also working as a facilitator on the Solihull approach to parenting and have led groups with parents in the community and young people in schools.

Meet Sarah

Education Provision Manager

Specialisms

  • Special Educational Needs (SEND) with particular expertise in ASD & ADHD
  • Safeguarding children and child protection
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma
  • Emotionally Based School Avoidance
  • Managing behaviour therapeutically

Sarah is a qualified teacher who has worked as a SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). She has over 18 years’ experience working with children, specialising in teaching children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

I have volunteered working with children with SEND since I was a teenager, in particular supporting children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Following on from my BSc in Psychology, I qualified as a primary school teacher in 2006 and have worked in both mainstream and special educational needs settings. I started my teaching career in class, and am skilled at rapport building with children, finding different ways to get to know individuals and allowing them the space and time needed to begin to trust that you are on their side. Working in a Specialist Provision for children with ASD and then going on to become a school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) has enabled me to develop a good knowledge of SEND and the relevant statutory guidance.

My experience in schools and as a SEND and Safeguarding professional means I value the importance of early intervention and am vigilant to early warning signs and potential triggers in children and young people and advocate addressing concerns as soon as they are raised.

During my time as a SENDCo I noticed an increase in anxiety and Emotionally Based School Avoidance since Covid and have extensive practise working closely with children who are facing difficulties attending school due to emotional distress. I have experience of working with children who are looked after by the local authority and the procedures needed to be adhered to. I have completed training in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma training and have been an in-school STEPS tutors. STEPS is a person-centred therapeutic approach to positive behaviour which prioritises emotional well-being and is adopted by many local authorities nationally, including Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. This role has provided me with a wealth of experience analysing children’s behaviour, enabling me to understand the causes of poor emotional wellbeing and put in place plans to address the needs presented by the children and/or young person.

Meet Sharon

Mental Health Practitioner

Specialisms

  • Child development
  • Silent counselling
  • ASD & ADHD
  • Parent advocacy
  • Supporting children with complex needs
  • Registered hypnotherapist trained in clinical and advanced techniques
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy
  • Happiness Club Emotional Resilience trainer
  • KidsMatters Children’s Hynotherapy Practitioner
  • Developmental Trauma
  • Drawing & Talking Therapist

Sharon’s background began in Childcare when she opened her Childminding business in 2007, she is qualified with an NVQ Level 3 in childcare learning and development, and a level 2 in supporting children’s mental health as well as a wealth of other short courses including supporting children with additional needs. Sharon is experienced in working with children from young babies to older teenagers, some with complex needs. Supporting families through tough times was also part of her role including bereavement, educational difficulties, and family break ups.

After closing her business in 2015 in order to focus on supporting her own children through high school, Sharon looked to add more to her skill set and has since trained in Hypnotherapy and Silent Counselling, working with both children and adults. Sharon is registered with both the UK GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register) and the CNHC (Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council).

I am passionate about working for The Parachute Project because our own family went through a mental health crisis with a young person in 2021 and since then I have worked towards creating support for children and young adults to overcome the issues that are holding them back, I love seeing them find or regain their confidence and begin to truly believe they can achieve their life dreams.

My lived experience of raising a child with ASD and supporting them through some complex mental health issues has given me great insight into the difficulties families face and I am determined to help as many as possible to thrive instead of just survive.

In addition within my practice as a registered Hypnotherapist, I have supported children and young adults to overcome many issues from anxiety and phobias to disordered eating and confidence issues.

Meet Laura

Children’s Mental Health Practitioner and Administration Officer

Specialisms

  • Child Development & Early Years
  • ASD & ADHD – TENANCY TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
  • Lego Therapy
  • Safeguarding children and child protection
  • KS1 & KS2 tutoring

Laura’s background is rooted in education. She began her career in Early Years, achieving Level 3 and 4 qualifications in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. After working as a Pre‑School Deputy Manager and Safeguarding Lead, Laura moved into primary education. She worked as a Teaching Assistant supporting children from Reception through to Year 6, completing courses in autism awareness, critical thinking, and LEGO therapy. Alongside her school role, Laura’s passion for Early Years led her to obtain a Foundation Degree in the subject.

Laura has since joined us from a large corporate company, where she provided administrative support — bringing strong organisational and communication skills to our team.

My career has always centred around children and families. I love being part of a team that helps young people feel understood, supported, and able to learn in a way that suits them. After lockdown, I spent two years tutoring children online, helping learners who struggled to access school, had language barriers, or just needed a confidence boost with SATs. Outside of work, I’m a mum to three grown‑up children and a bit of a lifelong learner myself. At the moment I’m teaching myself Spanish and the electric guitar. I love puzzles, geocaching, and escape rooms — basically anything that lets me solve something or explore!

Meet Freddie

Mental Health Practitioner

Freddie Towers is our developmental mental health practitioner. Freddie is passionate about the Parachute Projects ethos to support children’s mental health by supporting and empowering children. Freddie worked previously as a qualified SEN teaching assistant. She completed her CBT Essentials level 2 training in 2022 and is about to start her qualification to become an EFT Tapping practitioner. Freddie has a particular interest in supporting young people from the LGBTQ+ community. Freddie delivers school sessions and targeted one to one support to young people supervised by Abi. Freddie will continue her studying whilst working with us here at The Parachute Project.

Vision:

Our ultimate ambition is to empower young people to be resilient and shape a future without limitations.

We’re making a difference

Abi is amazing and helped our family so much when we were having struggles with our daughter.

- Parent – August 2025

When I came to The Parachute Project I was really struggling and could not cope with school. I only was going to school about 3 days a week and now, after several sessions, I feel so much better about going to High School. I think the thing that helped me the most was breathing exercises so I can calm myself down.

- Young person, aged 13

I don't quite know where we would be if I hadn't called you! I can still remember where I was in the house when I realised you were different, you understood our struggles and made me believe you could help.

- Parent

Thank you for all the wonderful sessions and time you've spent with our son the last few months, it has really helped him understand his emotions.

- Parent

Thank you for being such an important person to our son, you clearly have so many special gifts to make him feel so comfortable and valued.

- Parent

Thank you for listening and making him feel so comfortable and safe, you give him time and space.

- Parent

My daughter calls Abi her angel - she couldn't have got through the last two years without her.

- Parent

When things seemed so dark for me and "J", you were there to guide and support....a year on, she's a completely different girl, she's got the shine back in her eyes. Never in a million years will I be able to thank you for all the work you've done.

- Parent

Huge thanks. What you do for K is so vital. So grateful.

- Parent of child receiving online sessions

My son enjoyed his session every fortnight. He benefitted from the skills/strategies which he was provided with. He was able to talk about himself and his emotions which was a big step forward for him.

- Parent

Sharon has been amazing to help him but has also taken time to talk to myself about how I can help at home too. I would, and do, recommend The Parachute Project to anyone whose child could do with a bit of extra support.

- Parent of young person

Our child has gone from going to school an hour a day to full weeks, being able to regulate their emotions and work through their thoughts.

- Mother of child aged 7

Thank you for making me feel I could talk about things I didn't know how to.

- Young person

To Abi, I can't put into words how much our sessions have helped me. I am so glad to be able to have them as I feel like it changed me so much, for the good.

- Young person

Lucy and Abi provided great support to my daughter helping her to understand her worries and stresses and navigate her responses to those. This also helped those around her to support her and comfort and guide her with them too.

- Parent

I like how Sharon helps me if I get angry and she teaches me new breathing techniques.

- Child

I feel more confident moving up to high school and I know what to do when I'm worried about something.

- Child, aged 11

I think I've learnt how to manage my emotion and understand my ADHD. I owe my recovery and mindset to you and I'll always be grateful.

- Young person, aged 16

Abi has given us so much support and really helped turn an absolutely horrid situation into something we can move on with. Such lovely support with no judgement . You will feel safe and happy with Abi.

- Parent

The Parachute Project have been an absolute lifeline for our family. Our daughter, who struggles with ASD and sensory difficulties, has flourished….. from the outset, Lucy demonstrated a remarkable understanding of our daughter's needs and continues to go above and beyond to accommodate her anxieties.

- Parent

I will be forever grateful to The Parachute Project for supporting us through a very difficult time with our teen, and helping her find her way back to herself.

- Parent

The Parachute Project has helped me so much. I understand my feelings and feel happier.

- Child, aged 10

The Parachute Project has been a life saver for us and even though Abi is working with our son she is also able to give us support as parents and give us a positive and friendly face in a stressful situation.

- Dominique Grant

Abi has been absolutely fantastic with our son. She was really able to make him feel at ease and gave him and us the reassurance for him to open up and talk about his emotions more.

- Amy Janes

Few months ago son wouldn’t have dreamed of walking into school by himself and his anxiety got in the way !

- Sarah Gibbs

I think you guys did an amazing job you make me feel like I can face my fears and I really enjoyed these last few days. I hope you keep doing what you are doing to help other kids.

- Young person, aged 11

It was really good I enjoyed it, it was fun and I learnt things at the same time. I feel more confident on moving up to high school and I know what to do when I’m worried about something.

- Young person

The children were fully engaged in the sessions and learned so much.

- Year 2 class teacher

As a school, we feel that the support that The Parachute Project have provided for our pupils has been invaluable and we are looking forward to being able to continue to work with them in the future.

- Sophie Stephens

Abi and Freddie were very keen to provide exactly what we felt each group needed and worked closely with us to form this package of support which ran over five weeks and ended in week six with an information and Q and A session for parents.

- Kirsten Stibbon

Abi has helped me so much - I understand why I felt like I did and can manage it better.

- LH age 10

She is now able to manage her emotions and is much less likely to worry about things she can’t control.

- Teacher of child age 7

We trust Abi completely to guide us all through what has been a significant mental health crisis when no one else could.

- Parent of child age 15

From the very first time our daughter met Abi she formed an instant bond of trust, very very rare for her.  The sessions are something she looks forward to at a time when life is hard.

- Parent of child age 16

Abi, my son is so positive about his sessions with you.

- Parent of child age 17

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