About Where We Start
Where We Start is a Community Interest Company (CIC) established by child psychotherapists and other professionals. We are dedicated to providing accessible therapeutic support for the most disadvantaged children, young people and their families in Waltham Forest.
We understand that the current system leaves too many people struggling, NHS waiting lists are long, and private therapy is out of reach for many. That’s why we’re creating a community-based service that bridges the gap, ensuring that the most disadvantaged families can access the support they need, when they need it, regardless of their financial situation.
Our Approach
We take a holistic, child-centred approach, recognising that children don’t exist in isolation, their well-being is shaped by their families, schools, and communities. Rather than relying on rigid, medicalised models, we believe in shared understanding and collaboration, empowering families and the wider community with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s mental health.
A key focus of the project is prevention, helping to strengthen child-parent/carer relationships from birth and providing early intervention to tackle issues before they escalate. Too often, mental health support is only offered when problems become severe, we want to change that narrative by ensuring families get the help they need at the earliest stage. We know that early intervention can lead to positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. These include:
- Improved Emotional Regulation – Children learn healthy coping strategies to manage emotions, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Better Academic Performance – Addressing mental health challenges early can improve concentration, motivation, and engagement in school.
- Stronger Social Skills – Early support helps children develop healthy relationships, communication skills, and resilience.
- Reduced Risk of Long-Term Mental Health Issues – Timely intervention can prevent conditions from worsening into more severe disorders in adulthood.
- Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence – Children who receive support early tend to feel more secure, valued, and capable.
- Lower Risk of Harmful Behaviours – Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of substance abuse, self-harm, or involvement in risky behaviours.
- Improved Family Relationships – Families benefit from guidance on how to support their child, strengthening overall relationships and home environments.
- Better Physical Health – Addressing mental health early can prevent stress-related physical health issues which impacts school attendance.
- Reduced Need for Crisis Intervention – Preventative approaches lessen the burden on A&E departments and CAMHS.
- Higher Chances of Positive Adult Outcomes – Young people who receive early mental health support are more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms, secure employment, and maintain stable relationships in adulthood.
What will your donations fund:
£65 - funds 1 hour of psychotherapy for a child and young person who is currently unable to access support.
£130 - funds 1 hour of psychotherapy for a child or young person and 1 hour of parenting therapy for their parents/carers.
£95 - funds community based parenting network groups that will support parents of children with mental health issues, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and neurodivergence.