'A light in the lives of struggling children' 

Across the UK, thousands of children are facing challenges that make everyday home and school life feel overwhelming. Whether facing bullying, bereavement, family breakdown, poverty, or a lack of confidence, many young people are carrying burdens far too heavy for their age.

Through TLG’s Early Intervention programme, churches (including a growing number of Baptist church) are stepping into this gap with compassion, consistency, and Christ centred hope - and the impact continues to grow year on year. Rob Stevenette explains how

 

A movement of churches bringing light into schools

Hundreds of churches across the country have now partnered with TLG to run Early Intervention, a weekly one-to-one coaching programme for children and young people experiencing emotional and mental difficulties, forming a national movement committed to supporting vulnerable children right where they are, in school. 

It’s been wonderful to see this movement grow within the Baptist Church. In 2025, we saw a 200 per cent increase in Baptist churches partnering with TLG compared to 2024 — churches of all shapes and sizes from across the UK!

Pippa, whose church (Haywards Heath Baptist) joined us last year, shared,

'What stood out to me about TLG Early Intervention coaching was the length of time that you get to be coaching a young person, and therefore the potential to develop a relationship with them that will make a difference. I loved the idea of being able to encourage a young person at a point in their lives when it could really impact their future.'

What does coaching look like?

Our volunteers each work one-to-one with children and young people, providing one hour a week for an entire academic year. Every volunteer spends an hour each week with their child - showing up and listening to them, with care, fun and therapeutic support.

TLG Early intervention is a trauma informed and proactive approach that helps prevent adverse outcomes in struggling children and develops resilience and emotional regulation.  

'EI (Early Intervention) Coaching provides us as a church family with opportunity to support our community in a positive practical way, forging good relationships within our local schools and families, by helping children and young people struggling to cope. Our coaches come from all sorts of backgrounds. The key factor for volunteering is their heart to help those most vulnerable at a time of crises in their young lives.

'It is so rewarding to watch the relationships build between all parties involved and the unique, wonderful gifts each coach brings to their role is inspiring and faith building. We see again and again how God has gone before us to match a child to coach.' — Karyn, Chipping Campden Baptist

How do schools find it?

Our aim is to offer something that makes a meaningful difference and genuinely adds value to school life. Where funding for schools to provide support in the midst of a mental health crisis is limited, it's a privilege to be able to train volunteers within churches with therapeutic coaching skills, so that they can support the children in their local schools.

'If we weren't going in to the schools, there would be a huge gap in their provision due to lack of funds. The school feels the children are in safe hands and getting quality time with someone.' — Karen, Ross-on-Wye Baptist Church

'As a church community, we are known, trusted and valued. Our school key contacts see the impact the 1‑1 sessions have for the mentees and the benefits reaped for them and the school. We are always asked whether more coaches are available as the need is great.' — Karyn

 
What does this look like in the local community?

Our heart is to see the local church resourced to meet the needs of their community, and to support their mission. Rob at Welshpool Baptist Church, Powys expresses it best:

'It is a practical missional opportunity, blessing our community and showing Christ's love in a really concrete, practical way. It keeps us engaged with the reality of life in our town and helps us to be part of the solutions to the challenges our families face. And we can see God at work in these young lives.'

'As a church, we're proud to run a TLG programme. We've seen families come to events and even join our church. It’s broken-down barriers a bit.' — Karen

How does TLG help?

At TLG, partnership is all about relationship. We want to be behind our partners every step of the way — training, equipping, and nurturing them as they serve their communities.

'Help and support is always available and the literature and resources available, as well as the forums, workshops and courses offered are excellent. The research and continual updating of resources, ongoing training and awareness of current issues is excellent' — Karyn

'I don’t feel I’m on my own. There’s someone you can always ask for help and advice. It’s a very sound programme.' — Karen

'We also feel upheld by our Church Relationship Lead at TLG. In fact, whenever we have dealt with TLG folk we have found them compassionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive.' — Rob

What’s the impact?

We see wide-ranging impact across the UK, reflected in both data and the incredible stories we receive: ranging impact across the UK, reflected in both data and story:

• 91 per cent of children feel more hopeful about their future because of their TLG coaching.
• 90 per cent of children show improvement at school and at home. 

Behind these encouraging numbers are individuals whose lives are being transformed.

'One of the most transformational is the story of Leo*. Leo has very complex needs, almost too much for Early Intervention. He was very angry and would throw things including chairs.

'However, the coach persevered. Coaching gave Leo the much-needed time and space to be listened to. Prior to coaching, he really didn’t feel heard. When he was listened to through coaching, he learned to talk about what he was going through and how he felt. “It’s just so lovely that someone can listen to me,” he told his coach.

'It revolutionised how he did everything. Coaching also gave insight into Leo which the coach was able to feedback to the teacher, helping them support him better in the classroom. Even though the coaching year has ended, Leo is doing well. When the coach saw him recently, he seemed happy.' Karen

*Leo's name has been changed to protect his identity
 

 'There are so many, but we were particularly blessed when an organisation outside of the school asked one of our coaches to continue their work with a particular child, as they could see the benefit. When professionals who are involved in the care and wellbeing of the children can see the difference, you know that it is worth it!' Rob

Ultimately, It’s God at work! Karyn shares, 'EI Coaching brings blessings to all involved. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that something so simple as volunteering one hour per week can transform lives.'


What next?

'To a church thinking of setting up Early Intervention, I would say it is an amazing opportunity to be a light in the lives of children who might not have much to look forward to or take joy in. The hard work that you put in at the start, through training and building connections, really pays off.' — Pippa

We’re so grateful for our church partners and for all they do in their local communities and are excited to see partnerships grow within the Baptist church.


Images | TLG
 

If you’d like to find out more about Early Intervention, it all starts with a conversation. Visit our website to find out more TLG – Early Intervention, or feel free to book a call at partnerships@tlg.org.uk.

 

Rob Stevenette is the Head of Church Partnership at TLG