Breathing Space shortlisted for national award!
Together for Children's (TfC) innovative Breathing Space programme has been shortlisted for the Children and Young People Now (CYPN) Awards 2025, in the prestigious Learning Award category. The award recognises initiatives that have made the greatest contribution to improving educational achievement, with particular focus on work that has helped children with special educational needs and disabilities or disadvantaged groups such as looked-after children.
The awards, now in their 20th year, showcase innovation and outstanding practice across the children's services sector. The focus is on championing the vital work of services supporting children, young people and families across the UK.
The winners are set to be announced in November at a gala ceremony in London, which will celebrate 20 years of the CYPN awards. Supporters and stakeholders are hopeful for a win on the night.
Since its launch in April 2022, the programme has supported 428 young people, with plans to reach 140 more between April 2025 and March 2026 thanks to continued internal funding.
Breathing Space has been co-produced and delivered in partnership with a wide range of organisations across Sunderland, including, Together for Children, Sunderland Parent Carer Forum, The Link School, , Young Commissioners, Choice Wellbeing Service CIC, Rainbow Skye's Dog Therapy, Sunderland All Together Youth Consortium, Commando Joe's, Speech and Language UK , Sunderland University and the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Following an independent evaluation by Bright Impact CIC, along with the production of several evaluation films by TfC's Youth Voice Group Young Commissioners, Breathing Space has reported several outcomes:
- 74%of young people showed reduced or no increase in disruptive behaviour
- 88% of children maintained zero suspensions or saw a reduction
- 85% maintained or improved school attendance
- 73% reported improved emotional wellbeing
- 95% of parent carers reported improved wellbeing
- 98% of children in the Complex Needs Hub maintained or reduced their care status
Jess Moore, Strategic Commissioning Manager for Together for Children said:
We're thrilled that our Breathing Space initiative has been shortlisted for the much sought after Learning award. Many organisations right across Sunderland have teamed up to help families and children through this project and the recognition celebrates the partnership and highlights the commitment, creativity, and most importantly the impact of the Breathing Space programme.
"Keeping young people in mainstream education and supporting their reintegration into school settings through our programme has not only resulted in measurable benefits, including reductions in incidents of violence, verbal abuse, and impulsive behaviour, but we've also seen students demonstrating increased social interaction, engaging in a wider range of activities, and developing greater independence. Families have told us their own relationships with children and stress levels have been improved through the programme, our events and their own participation in the Healthy Parent Carer programme. It's hugely rewarding to think of the long-term difference Breathing Space is making to families across Sunderland and we look forward to continuing our work in this area".
Youngsters have described Breathing Space as "fun," "safe," and "helpful." While parent carers called it a "lifeline" and "a game-changer." Professionals also praised its ripple effect across schools, improving staff confidence and reducing classroom disruptions.
After Breathing Space, you could see him trying... He started to understand more about his feelings and when he wasn't okay. Now he'll say 'miss, I need to go for a walk' or 'miss I'm not happy.'"
A parent added:
H was always getting into trouble at school and home. Now he's happier in himself. I would be lost without Breathing Space - and so would H."
Young people attending the SEMH Hub said:
Breathing Space has helped us a lot with mental health and everything. In school, it just gives you some headspace... It's helped me learn that it's okay to open up and speak about yourself and you can enjoy your time in school... everyone and every school should have the opportunity to do it."
The influence of Breathing Space has extended beyond individual participants, leading to positive changes throughout school communities. Teachers have noted significant reductions in disruptive behaviours, describing how incidents such as classroom evacuations and table flipping have become rare, contributing to a calmer atmosphere and alleviating staff anxiety.
Educators also credit Breathing Space with increasing their school's autism and behavioural awareness, improving school-wide responses, and providing professionals with new skills and confidence.
As the awards ceremony approaches in November, the nomination itself stands as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and compassion demonstrated by all those involved.
