News & Blog

A photo shows children at SELFA children's charity working on a project together.

How we help young people build leadership skills for the future

Leadership doesn’t always mean standing at the front of a room. It can be as simple as having the confidence to speak up about an issue, supporting others, sharing ideas, taking responsibility or trying something new. At SELFA, we understand... Read More...

Mental Health Awareness Week: Six common myths about children’s wellbeing

One in five children and young people experience mental health challenges - and this number is on the rise. At SELFA, we offer a variety of support to children and young people experiencing low intensity mental health needs across Skipton... Read More...
A photo shows children taking part in rebound therapy at SELFA children's charity in North Yorkshire.

What is rebound therapy?

At SELFA, we support children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in a variety of ways - including offering rebound therapy. But what exactly is this, and what are the benefits? “Rebound therapy is a therapeutic exercise that uses... Read More...

Why physical activity matters for young people: How SELFA supports health, confidence and wellbeing

At SELFA, we know how important it is for children and young people to be active. Not only is exercise good for physical health, it has huge benefits for mental health too – and acts as a natural mood booster... Read More...

How we support mums at SELFA

Supporting mums is part of our DNA at SELFA. In 2007, our CEO Emma Pears founded SELFA while working for North Yorkshire County Council. As a mum herself, she understood the mental health needs of children, particularly those in the... Read More...

SELFA Springboard: How we support young adults

At SELFA, we have more than 20 different groups for children, young adults and parents. It can be hard to know which one is right for you – so this week, we’re shining a spotlight on SELFA Springboard! What is... Read More...

World Book Day: The Power of Libraries in Supporting Mental Health

At SELFA, we understand the power of a good book. Whether it’s a fantasy novel or a mystery that you just can’t put down, reading is a wonderful way to escape to another world. Reading is also a great way... Read More...

How we support girls’ wellbeing with the Health Lottery Foundation

From school and social media pressures to harassment and cyberbullying, it’s not an easy time to be a girl. Young women face a multitude of challenges that all contribute to rising mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. At... Read More...

New Year fundraising appeal: Help us support children and young people

As 2025 draws to an end, we’re full of hope for the future. We want to reach even more children and young people in the Craven area who need our support – and with your help, we can do just... Read More...

Our 2025 highlights: How SELFA supported children and young people this year

To say that it has been a busy year is an understatement! Our team have been working hard to make sure children and young people in the Craven area get the support they need, from wellbeing and activity groups to... Read More...

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025: How SELFA champions inclusion and belonging 

Every child deserves to feel included. A sense of belonging is essential to children’s emotional, social, and overall wellbeing, which is why it sits at the heart of our values at SELFA. Yet many families with disabled children are still... Read More...

Christmas: How to support children’s mental health over the holidays

Christmas can be a challenging time for many people, including children. Often, there are high expectations for everything to be perfect and joyful – but in reality, the holidays can be overwhelming. At SELFA, we know the festive period can... Read More...

Transgender Awareness Week: Helping every young person feel they belong

At SELFA, making sure that all of our groups and activities are inclusive and celebrate diversity isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential. This includes recognising the full range of gender identities and expressions and different kinds of... Read More...

Anti-Bullying Week: What to do if you think your child is being bullied

The SELFA Settle youth group made pledges to help stop bullying At SELFA, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported. Belonging, happiness and kindness are at the heart of what we do, and standing up to... Read More...

Youth Work Week 2025: How SELFA is changing young lives

At SELFA, working with young people is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we see how much difference a safe space, a trusted adult, and a little encouragement can make. Whether it’s building confidence, learning new skills,... Read More...

Northern Rail & SELFA children’s charity: Tickets to brighter futures

Many of us don’t think twice about getting on a train to go to work, shopping or a family day out. But for lots of children and young people, rail travel isn’t an option – because money doesn’t stretch to... Read More...

SELFA Annual Report 2025: Empowering more than 700 children and young people

We are fast approaching the end of another busy year at SELFA – and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and grateful to all those who have helped us along the way. In 2024/25, we supported more than 700 children,... Read More...

How to help your child settle back into school

At SELFA, we offer a variety of mental health support to children and young people. Whether it’s a safe space to talk through worries, or developing coping strategies with a professional, we make sure children are listened to and heard.... Read More...

“Summer 2025 at SELFA: Fun, Friendship & Memories

To say we’ve had a busy summer is an understatement! Since the summer school term finished, we’ve run 72 sessions – more than 413 hours of activities – which have been attended by 292 children and young people. Thanks to... Read More...

Young Film Fans Shine at Leeds Young Film Making Festival!

A group of excited children aged 8 to 11 had an amazing time during the Easter holidays visiting Carriageworks Theatre to partake in Leeds Young Film Making Festival, where they got to become real filmmakers - a great way to ignite... Read More...
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