Place2Be

Devonshire Park Primary works with Place2Be, a children's mental health charity that helps pupils explore their emotions and feel better about themselves. Children can go to the Place2Be room in school to express themselves by making art, playing or talking. 

Why is Place2Be useful? 

Sometimes children can feel particularly sad, confused, scared or angry.  

Maybe something difficult happened at home, like losing a family member or parents separating. Or perhaps they’re struggling with something at school, like bullying. 

This can make them behave differently, lose confidence in themselves or find it difficult to concentrate in class. 

Place2Be is there to help children find ways to cope, so their worries don’t get in the way of their friendships, their learning or how they feel about themselves. 

What does Place2Be do? 

Place2Be’s professionals work with children one-to-one or in small groups, giving regular support for pupils who need it. 

Children can also book a short appointment to talk about any problems or worries they have – this is called Place2Talk. 

How does Place2Be work with adults? 

Place2Be provides support and advice for parents and carers, as well as teachers and school staff. Get in touch with the Place2Be staff member below to find out more.  

Place2Be always gets agreement from parents or carers before they support a child through one-to-one counselling. They also meet with parents or carers regularly to keep them updated and make sure they are involved from the start.  

Support for Parents and Carers

Place2Be, our in-school mental health support service, has a variety of resources to help you support your child's wellbeing. 

Visit their Parenting Smart website for free practical advice on a range of topics (from bullying, to sleep difficulties). If you're looking for more support on your parenting journey, you could also sign up for their free Parenting Smart - Online Course. 

Learn more about both of these offers at place2be.org.uk/family.

Any questions? 

Martyn Harby is our School Project Manager for Place2Be.  

Martyn is in school every TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY and you can either arrange to meet him at the school or get in touch by email at: martyn.harby@place2be.org.uk or by calling the school on 0151 608 9243  

About the School Project Manager

Martyn started as a Volunteer Counsellor for Place2Be in 2016 before becoming a School Project Manager in 2017. He has worked in schools in Liverpool, Salford and now in Birkenhead at Devonshire Park Primary. 

Martyn is a qualified counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. He also works as a private practitioner and as a volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care.  

If you want to find out more about Place2Be visit place2be.org.uk