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Anna Freud

@annafreudcharity.bsky.social
165 followers 98 following 234 posts

🩵 Transforming mental health care for children and young people through science, collaboration and clinical innovation Account monitored Mon-Fri 9-5

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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Toilets and isolation are key barriers to children feeling they belong when starting secondary school. Thank you to @jasminenorden.bsky.social for this article in @tesmagazine.bsky.social:
tes.com
Why toilets and isolation are key barriers to Year 7 belonging
Feeling overwhelmed and high levels of distrust have also been identified as core challenges in a new study into primary to secondary transition, finds Jasmine Norden
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
How did you feel when you started secondary school?
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We all know exercise can improve your mental health, but new research from one of our experts and #BeeWell shows how emotional wellbeing may support physical activity:
cypnow.co.uk
Study highlights how emotional wellbeing can boost physical activity - CYP Now
It is often thought that participating in physical exercise can boost mental health, but a new study suggests that strengthening young people’s emotional wel...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
One in four Year 8s in England is likely to have a mental health condition. And inequalities are affecting many aspects of students’ lives...
annafreud.org
One in four Year 8s in England likely to have a mental health condition, according to national study
Along with high prevalence of mental health issues, results also show how inequalities already consistently affect different aspects of students' lives.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Do you work in a school or college? If you want more resources to talk about mental health with your students, check out our free Mentally Healthy Schools toolkit – we've added new resources for this term! mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/whole-school...
mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
Mental health lead resource hub : Mentally Healthy Schools
This resource hub has been created in partnership with and funded by the Department for Education, with new resources added regularly. Find out more about how the suitability of resources is assessed....
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Autistic trans and gender diverse people appear to be at particularly high risk of eating disorders and disordered eating. But their experiences are often overlooked in research and practice. Join our next “In conversation” webinar on eating disorders in autistic trans and gender diverse people:
autismcentral.nhs.uk
Eating disorders in autistic trans and gender diverse populations | Autism Central
In this webinar, we will discuss research on autism, gender diversity and eating disorders, exploring why eating difficulties may arise and how they can present.
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Reposted by Anna Freud
SANE | Changing mental health for good @sane.org.uk · 10/09/2026
You never know what someone might be carrying, and even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact. This message is especially important today on World Suicide Prevention Day ❤️ Find support: sane.org.uk/support 🔗 #mentalhealth #suicideprevention
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
There’s so much discussion about autism and ADHD in the media right now. If someone you care about feels their reality isn’t reflected by something they’ve seen, listening and taking their concerns seriously can make a real difference.
autismcentral.nhs.uk
Blog: When autism and ADHD are questioned in the media | Autism Central
Ann Memmott looks at recent news headlines, social media posts and TV programmes where people have questioned autism or ADHD and what this means for families of autistic people.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Instead of asking ‘Are autism and ADHD real?’ we should be asking ‘How can we support neurodivergent people, regardless of whether they’ve got their diagnosis yet?’
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
There’s still time to support your school pupils’ mental health! Take part in @place2becharity.bsky.social's trial of whole-school support🏫 You’ll be assigned to either: The trial group (your school gets the intervention and £500 as a thank you) The control group (continue as usual and get £1,000)
place2be.org.uk
Learning Together for Mental Health
Take part in our Learning Together for Mental Health programme for Secondary schools in partnership with EEF
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
You very often get autistic children saying it’s too busy, or too noisy, or too hot or cold. And we’ll look round and think, no it’s not! But they are speaking their truth. It’s very real for them. And we need to support them with that. Watch our new video with @petewharmby.com:
autismcentral.nhs.uk
Video: 5 things I wish teachers knew about autism | Autism Central
In this video autistic author Pete Wharmby shares five things he wishes every teacher understood about autistic young people - from understanding sensory differences to allowing more time for tasks an...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Does your autistic child seem 'fine' at school but comes home exhausted, overwhelmed, shut down or unable top cope? Or do they struggle to attend at all? Join our webinar to explore the hidden emotional burden school can place on autistic, ADHD and AuDHD children and young people.
autismcentral.nhs.uk
When coping at school comes at a cost at home | Autism Central
Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou and Pete Wharmby discuss the emotional burden that school can place on autistic children and young people, and what families and schools can do to help.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We need to better understand adolescents’ challenges today, and build support that actually works for them. Join us and discuss how we can do this at our annual colloquium on 17-18 September!
annafreud.org
Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age (Online)
Join us online for our 47th International Psychoanalytic Child Psychotherapy Colloquium, where we'll examine adolescent mental health in the digital age, risk and suicide.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Did you know families of autistic people in England can now join free @england.nhs.uk-funded online group sessions? www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/events
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Mental health begins before we are even born. We’re proud to back the Babies Bill and hope MPs from across Parliament will support it at Second Reading tomorrow. Read the Bill and our thoughts:
annafreud.org
Anna Freud backs the Babies Bill
Our Acting CEO says new 'Babies Bill' could protect and strengthen investment and polices in the early years.
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Reposted by Anna Freud
Autistic Realms (Helen Edgar) @autisticrealms.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Honoured to have written this for @annafreudcharity.bsky.social Autistic burnout is more than just feeling a little tired. It may also co-exist with depression or be mistaken for depression, which can make it harder to recognise and get the right support. www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/news/blog-wh...
autismcentral.nhs.uk
Blog: What is autistic burnout? | Autism Central
Helen Edgar looks at understanding autistic burnout and how you can support autistic family members who may be going through this.
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Reposted by Anna Freud
Evidence Based Practice Unit @ebpu.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
New research! Colleagues at @annafreudcharity.bsky.social and UCL explored how previous professional training influences practitioners' early experiences of learning Mentalization-Based Therapy for children. Available open-access - read the findings: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Young person sitting on a grey sofa in a therapy room. At the other side of a coffee table, a therapist takes notes.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Researchers interested in mental health, work with us!!
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Do you love, or work with an autistic person but just need more help in supporting them? We’re commissioned by @england.nhs.uk to offer free, online coaching sessions through Autism Central: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/one-one
autismcentral.nhs.uk
One-to-one | Autism Central
Online coaching sessions for parents and families supporting autistic people in England. The sessions are NHS funded, and provide practical guidance to navigate services.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
There's an idea that young people often grieve in puddles, dipping in and out of their grief. But sometimes when a bereavement is traumatic, the loss colours everything. Traumatic bereavement is when the trauma of a death gets in the way of grieving a loss.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In the first 1,001 days, from pregnancy to age 2, a baby’s brain develops faster than at any other stage, laying the foundations for lifelong mental health. We back the Babies Bill for babies and families to have support that's accessible, joined-up and responsive to their individual circumstances.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A minority (13%) of parents and carers say they have enough support for their child’s mental health and wellbeing. We asked 1120 parents and carers about their children's mental health and wellbeing in a poll conducted with Opinium between 21–28 July: www.annafreud.org/news/1-in-10...
annafreud.org
1 in 10 parents say they have enough support for their child’s mental health and wellbeing
New polling finds only 13% of parents feel they have enough support for their child’s mental health, highlighting calls for greater early support.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
We recently became a member of Future Minds, a campaign to transform children and young people’s mental health. They're hosting an event at the Labour Party Conference to mark the launch of Future Minds’ ‘mid-term report card’ on the government’s record on children and young people's mental health:
luma.com
Future Minds: The government’s mid-term record on children's mental health – and the priorities for the remainder of this parliament · Luma
At the midpoint of this Parliament, Future Minds is launching our mid-term report card on the Government’s record on children and young people’s mental…
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
What do you think of the social media ban for under 16s? We’re always looking for people to share their opinions and experiences with us so we can turn this evidence into action to improve mental health support and services. Hear from professionals in our new blog:
annafreud.org
Exploring the Social Media Ban: Perspectives From Professionals
Andrew Apraku, an education professional, and Ann Memmott, an autism and neurodiversity consultant, share how they think the ban could impact young lives.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
There’s still time to support your school pupils’ mental health! Take part in @place2becharity.bsky.social's trial of whole-school support🏫 You’ll be assigned to either: The trial group (your school gets the intervention and £500 as a thank you) The control group (continue as usual and get £1,000)
place2be.org.uk
Learning Together for Mental Health
Take part in our Learning Together for Mental Health programme for Secondary schools in partnership with EEF
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
The deadline to submit your resources for schools and colleges is fast approaching tomorrow! Share with us resources you think would help schools and colleges better support young people’s mental health: www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/submit-a-res...
mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
Submit a resource to our senior mental health lead resource library : Mentally Healthy Schools
Mentally Healthy Schools brings together quality-assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children's mental health and wellbeing.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Introducing MindWorks: a targeted CBT programme for 11–16 year olds at risk of exclusion and involvement in violence, funded by @youthendowmentfund.org.uk and developed by us: www.annafreud.org/news/cogniti...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
We're on the hunt for a Research Officer to join our world-leading mental health charity! You'll be helping us turn evidence into action for children, young people and their families. Full time, London or Manchester, £35K per annum: annafreud.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/v...
annafreud.ciphr-irecruit.com
Research Officer
Are you a passionate and skilled researcher looking for your next challenge?
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
More than a million children had active referrals to children and young people’s mental health services in 2024-25. That’s enough to fill the MetLife Stadium, the home of yesterday’s World Cup Final, 13 times over.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Welcome to the UK’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham. We look forward to working with his government to put children, young people and families at the heart of decision-making on mental health.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
If you support an autistic family member, partner, friend or someone you care for, check out Autism Central to connect with trained peer guides or find ways to better understand and support the autistic people in your life - whether or not they have a diagnosis: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/one-one
autismcentral.nhs.uk
One-to-one | Autism Central
Free online coaching sessions for families supporting autistic people in England. The sessions offer a safe space to reflect on autistic wellbeing and family life. Our peer guides provide practical gu...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Up to 97% of autistic people over 60 may be undiagnosed. In a recent feature for the @theguardian.com our neurodiversity expert @jopavlopoulou.bsky.social, Chair of the Autism Central at Anna Freud and Associate Professor at UCL, highlighted the often-overlooked generation of autistic older adults.
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Reposted by Anna Freud
Evidence Based Practice Unit @ebpu.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This week, we're delighted to welcome our 2026 cohort of research interns as part of the @annafreudcharity.bsky.social Researcher Internship Scheme. Over the next 3 months, our interns will contribute to a range of research projects and build knowledge through learning sessions. Welcome to the team!
Two young women, Anna Freud interns, sitting on a brown leather sofa. They are smiling and one of the women points to something off camera.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
After being upset at school: 🧠Students with ADHD more likely to show outward distress signs 🧠All neurodivergent students more likely to have inward distress signs @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social @grrand-team.bsky.social @jopavlopoulou.bsky.social @kingsioppn.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
link.springer.com
Autistic and ADHD adolescents respond differently to upset in school: evidence from a new questionnaire co-designed from the neurodivergent point of view - European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Rates of depression are elevated in autistic and/or ADHD adolescents, but the reasons for this are unclear. We have previously shown that autistic and/or ADHD adolescents experience twice the school-r...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
We need to better understand adolescents’ challenges today, and build support that actually works for them. Join us and discuss this at our annual colloquium’s talks, panel discussions and clinical groups. www.annafreud.org/adolescent-m...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
When dyspraxia is unrecognised, it can really have a detrimental effect on a child’s confidence. Tumi (@theblackdyspraxic on Instagram) chatted to us about being autistic and dyspraxic. Watch his video: youtu.be/oHjZlIGJvaI?...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Autistic people with learning disabilities should be seen, heard and valued beyond labels. Watch our free masterclass on supporting autistic people with learning disabilities: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/news/watch-o...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Would you like to study a fully-funded PhD with us? We’re looking for a student to explore the drivers of young people’s mental health and contribute to improving outcomes for them, through a programme we co-founded called @beewelluk.bsky.social! annafreud.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/v...
Fully-funded PhD 

Research factors that influence young people’s mental health and wellbeing
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
One way we’re actively building the wellbeing of the next generation is via Mental Health Support Teams in schools. But they need support. Our Deputy CEO Claire Evans spoke at the Education and Health and Social Care Select Committee (pictured with Catherine Roche, @place2becharity.bsky.social CEO).
parliamentlive.tv
Parliamentlive.tv
Education Committee and Health and Social Care Committee
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Typical bereavement support can be helpful, but sometimes isn't enough for children experiencing traumatic bereavement. Our project the UK Trauma Council’s training is available for just this situation, for practitioners to help a child manage trauma AND grieve a loss:
annafreud.org
Traumatic Bereavement: Working Therapeutically With Children And Young People
Identify and support traumatically bereaved children with this evidence-based course from UK Trauma Council. Ideal for practitioners and clinicians.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
When someone important in a child’s life dies, it's likely a painful time. But sometimes the trauma of the death gets in the way, making it difficult to even start to grieve. Children may get heightened anxiety, fear or be overwhelmed by reminders of the death. We call this traumatic bereavement.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A child who seems “shut down” after a death might not be avoiding grief… They may be overwhelmed by trauma. Understanding this changes how we support them.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
We’re looking for mainstream secondary state schools in England to help us by taking part in a national trial of the Learning Together for Mental Health Programme with @place2becharity.bsky.social! www.place2be.org.uk/our-services...
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Babies do remember. Babies do feel. The body remembers, even when we can't consciously recall those early days. Early relational experiences link with later emotional and developmental outcomes. Longitudinal studies, neuroscience research and adoption studies have contributed to this evidence:
annafreud.org
Evolving Evidence Means Evolving Action for Babies
In this blog for Infant Mental Health Week, our expert discusses how evidence shaping action for babies has evolved over time.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
The “precociously good baby”🍼 Babies can appear unusually compliant or emotionally self-contained. This isn’t always because they’re contented but because they've adapted to environments that feel unsafe. Babies can't explain what they feel in words, and it’s easy to miss what's below the surface.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Babies are highly sensitive to emotional environments around them. Their developing brains are shaped through relationships. Experiences of fear, inconsistency or relational trauma can become deeply embedded, even before they're old enough to consciously remember. #InfantMentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
A happy-seeming baby is not always a thriving baby. The "baby blind spot" is the tendency for adults to overlook infants’ emotional experiences. This happens more often when families are already under pressure, like during domestic abuse. #InfantMentalHealthAwarenessWeek
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Self-harm can sometimes be a coping mechanism for managing very difficult thoughts and feelings. Sometimes in close relationships it can be harder to mentalize, or make sense of what is happening in ours and others’ minds.
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Our founder, Anna Freud, recognised adolescence as a venture into uncertain territory, a necessary exposure to risk, relationality, and the gradual negotiation of a self. But lately the terrain has shifted ⬇️
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Anna Freud @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Apply now for our MSc Early Child Development and Clinical Applications with @ucl.ac.uk 🧠 This degree combines a theoretical foundation in early child development with a supervised clinical placement, infant observation, and a research project. www.annafreud.org/training/pos...
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