February 2026 | Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
More than one in four children in Leeds now live in poverty. Behind that statistic are thousands of young lives shaped by instability, stress, and adversity. For many children, childhood feels less like play and more like survival.
That is why Leeds Children’s Charity (LCC) at Lineham Farm exists.
On the edge of Leeds, Lineham Farm is a place where children experiencing poverty, trauma, or disadvantage can pause, breathe, and simply be children again. Away from daily pressures, they find safety, structure, and joy in a rural environment designed for healing, learning, and growth.
This isn’t just a break from hardship — it is a powerful investment in children’s mental health, confidence, and future life chances.
A safe space when life feels unsafe
For many children who visit Lineham Farm, it is the first place they have ever felt truly secure.
One child told staff:
“This is the first night I’ve slept properly.”
A warm bed, a full meal, consistent routines, and caring adults may sound simple — but for children living with neglect or trauma, these basics can be life-changing. Feeling safe is the foundation for emotional recovery, learning, and resilience.
Nature plays a vital role too. Research consistently shows that time outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and supports emotional regulation. At Lineham Farm, the calm of open space, animals, and woodland offers children relief from hypervigilance and anxiety — helping them relax, reconnect, and reset.
As one headteacher reflected:
“Children didn’t want to leave. Some even hid under beds because they didn’t want it to end. That’s when you realise — you’ve shown them what childhood should feel like.”
Learning outside the classroom — with impact
Each year, around 3,000 children from Leeds benefit from LCC’s residentials and day visits.
Through outdoor learning accredited with the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, children take part in activities such as:
- Climbing and abseiling
- Cycling and trail walking
- Bushcraft and teamwork challenges
- Archery and problem-solving tasks
- Caring for farm animals and exploring nature
These experiences are not just fun — they are transformational.
Teachers regularly report improvements in:
- Concentration
- Motivation
- Communication
- Behaviour
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Resilience
One Pastoral Care Manager said:
“When pupils return to school, they are calmer, happier, and more ready to learn — better equipped to face challenges.”
For children who struggle in traditional classrooms — including many with Special Educational Needs — Lineham Farm offers an inclusive, sensory-rich environment where movement, exploration, and hands-on learning allow every child to succeed in their own way.
For some, it is the first time they have ever felt “good at something.”
Rebuilding trust, relationships, and hope
Trauma can make it difficult for children to trust adults or form healthy relationships. At Lineham Farm, consistent routines, clear boundaries, and kind role models help children feel secure enough to open up.
One 10-year-old boy arrived withdrawn and overwhelmed by frustration. By day two, staff saw remarkable change:
“He began joining in, smiling, and talking with staff. He felt safe — and that made all the difference.”
Outdoor challenges build teamwork, communication, leadership, and emotional awareness — skills many children have never had the chance to develop but will carry with them into adulthood.
In fact, 93% of schools report improved social skills as a direct result of outdoor learning — a clear sign that these experiences create lasting positive change.
Chloe’s story: a dream reignited
Chloe, aged 10, had experienced significant trauma and felt hopeless about her future.
During a quiet campfire session at Lineham Farm, she shared a dream many adults might take for granted:
“I want to be a youth worker. I want to help kids like me.”
That moment marked a turning point. Back at school, Chloe became more motivated, more engaged, and more focused on her goals.
For her, Lineham Farm didn’t just offer a break — it offered belief in a future.
Why this matters for Leeds
Rising child poverty in Leeds doesn’t just affect children — it affects families, schools, social services, healthcare, and the city’s future prosperity.
When children miss out on stability, education, and emotional support, the impact can echo across generations through lower attainment, reduced employment opportunities, and poorer mental and physical health.
But the opposite is also true.
Every child who returns from Lineham Farm:
- calmer
- more confident
- more resilient
- more motivated
…is better placed to thrive in school, build healthy relationships, and contribute positively to Leeds as they grow.
Helping one child creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, schools, and communities — building a fairer, more ambitious city for everyone.
How you can help
For over 120 years, Leeds Children’s Charity has relied on the generosity of the Leeds community to support children who need it most.
Your support helps provide:
- Safe beds and home-cooked meals
- Skilled, caring staff
- Life-changing outdoor learning and equipment
- Support the upkeep of Animals.
- Hope, confidence, and joy
With your help, LCC can reach more children, more often — ensuring that no child in Leeds is held back by inequality. www.leedschildrenscharity.org.uk
👉 If you’d like to support the charity or explore partnerships, please get in touch. Together, we can make childhood brighter in Leeds — today and tomorrow.