Break launches Christmas appeal to fund therapy service
2 Nov 2026
We have launched an appeal to raise £30,000 for our Emotional Wellbeing Service, which provides therapy tailored to young people who have grown up in care.
The service supports young people across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and begins by building a trusting relationship between therapist and young person. Therapy sessions can take place wherever a young person feels most comfortable, whether that's at Break's offices, in a quiet café or on a walk.
Each young person starts with 12 therapy sessions, but there is the option to extend if they need more time to work through difficult experiences.
The appeal comes not long after a Government-commissioned review found that the suicide rate for care leavers was potentially five times higher than that of the general population. The review attributes this at least in part to how people leaving care lose "significant levers of support" upon turning 18.
Our Emotional Wellbeing Service aims to help bridge that gap. We now need your help to raise £30,000 over the Christmas period so that we can provide therapy to more young people in need of this support.
Alyse, 26, who was supported by the service, said:
"The support I have received through this service has been fundamentally different from anything I experienced through social services. For the first time, I have felt truly seen.
"Having consistent, long-term support has been the missing piece for me. The difference lies in the interpersonal relationships I have built with my therapists.
"Because of this consistent care, I have been able to regulate my emotions, complete my degree, and return to university. Having my experiences validated and my emotions cared for at this level has been life-changing."
Levi, 21, also receives support through the service and said:
"Since getting this support, I can deal with things more calmly. I still struggle at times but it's helped me think a lot more rationally. Some days, I don't really feel like talking about anything because it might make me feel worse, and on those days we'll just have a bit of a laugh, and that can help too.
"I've been able to continue for a bit longer than the 12 sessions and that's done me a lot of good. My therapist is honestly brilliant. I think everyone should have someone like her in their lives."
Businesses that donate £300, getting us 1% closer to our target, will receive six months' membership of Break's Supporter Network as a thank you.
Rachel Cowdry, Chief Executive of Break said:
"For many young people who have grown up in care, asking for help isn't the hardest part. The hardest part is trusting that someone will still be there tomorrow.
"That's why our therapists take the time to build trust. They listen without judgement, and work alongside each young person at a pace that feels right for them. We see every day the difference this support can make. Young people begin to feel more confident, more hopeful and better able to cope with whatever's going on in their lives.
"This Christmas, we're asking the local community to help us ensure more care leavers can access that support. No-one should have to face life's challenges alone."