Pears Foundation

Children and young people today face increasing pressures as they navigate a complex and rapidly changing world. While awareness of mental health has grown significantly, too many young people and their families still struggle to access the support they need. Improving outcomes requires not only excellent clinical care, but also better research, stronger support for families and a skilled workforce equipped to respond to their needs.

Pears Foundation partners with organisations that improve children’s social and emotional wellbeing while deepening understanding of the challenges they and their families face. We are particularly drawn to organisations that combine research, clinical practice and professional education, ensuring that new knowledge translates into better support in schools, services and communities.

Founded more than 70 years ago, Anna Freud is a leading mental health charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people. Its work spans research, specialist clinical services, schools, policy and professional training, helping to improve support both now and for future generations.

In 2019, Anna Freud opened its purpose-built campus in London, bringing together its research, clinical and education activities in a single centre focused on improving children’s mental health. At the heart of the campus is the Pears Family School, a therapeutic alternative provision for children with emotional and behavioural needs who have been excluded from mainstream education. Uniquely, the School requires a parent or significant adult family member to attend alongside their child, recognising that lasting change is most effective when families are supported together. Our funding helped relocate the School to the new campus and expand its capacity, ensuring that more young people are able to successfully return to education.

Our partnership has continued to evolve alongside Anna Freud’s work. In 2020, we made a significant core investment to help expand the charity’s digital services and professional education, enabling teachers, clinicians and other professionals across the UK to access evidence-based training and resources. By strengthening the workforce alongside its direct support for children and families, the partnership helps extend Anna Freud’s expertise far beyond those who access its own services.