One in five young carers experiences mental health difficulties, yet many remain invisible in schools—carrying responsibilities beyond their years while struggling in silence. Young carers often feel isolated, unable to talk about feelings, and lack strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Schools in Lambeth and Haringey serve diverse communities where young carers support family members with disabilities or mental health conditions, needing safe spaces and practical tools to cope.

We deliver 12 weekly sessions using arts activities to teach emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation—a colour-coded framework. Children identify emotions and build personal toolkits with strategies to return to calm using drama, movement, drawing, and crafts. Sessions are led by trained ABC practitioners. We're partnering with Carers Hub Lambeth to identify young carers. Across three iterations since 2021, 100% of children reported greater emotional understanding.