“A Message for the Next…”: Amplifying Young Voices and Celebrating Progress
At Alliance Children, Young People and Families, we’re committed to supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and centred around the voices of the young people we work with. One of the ways we do this is by encouraging children and young people to reflect on their experiences and share what they’ve learned not just with us, but with each other.
Recently, we’ve introduced a simple yet powerful practice within our one-to-one support, we invite young people to leave a message for the next person who will access the service. It’s a heartfelt note, a small moment of connection between peers who may never meet, but who are walking similar paths.
These messages can be incredibly moving. They might offer reassurance, hope, or practical advice, but most importantly, they remind others that they’re not alone. They also give the young person writing the message a chance to recognise their own progress and reflect on how far they’ve come.
Here are just a few examples of the messages we’ve received:
“She is really fun, and she helps you. She really helped me – just try to have fun with her”.
“You should be brave, because by the end you’ll feel a lot better. You should also be so proud of yourself, as you will learn so many strategies that will help you throughout your life”.
“Talking to Alliance members helped me to calm down and significantly reduce my anxiety.”
The positive feedback we’ve had from young people, and staff has been overwhelming and it’s inspired us to expand this idea further. We’re now excited to introduce “A Message for the Next Class” as part of our group programmes in schools.
Introducing: A Message for the Next Class & A Message for Your Family
This new initiative will be rolled out across several of our popular school-based programmes, including Emotions Express, We Eat Elephants, and FRIENDS. When a class completes a programme, pupils will have the opportunity to leave a message for the next group of children who are about to begin the same journey, or their families to share with them what they have learned.
These messages might reflect on:
- What they learned during the sessions
- How the programme helped them manage emotions or build confidence
- Advice they’d give to someone just starting
- Their favourite activity or topic
- Something they’re proud of achieving
This simple practice has multiple benefits. It encourages pupils to pause and reflect on their learning and emotional growth. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership over their progress. And it offers a unique opportunity to pass it on to support, encourage, and empower others in a way that feels authentic and peer-led.
The Power of Pupil Voice
At the heart of this initiative is our ongoing commitment to centring pupil voice. When children and young people are invited to share their experiences, ideas, and reflections, they feel valued, and that has a profound impact on their confidence, self-awareness, and sense of belonging.
“A Message for the Next Class” is also a fantastic tool for teaching staff and facilitators. It can serve as:
- A prompt for group reflection during the final session
- A way to celebrate the progress of the class as a whole
- A consistent and meaningful method of gathering pupil feedback
- A bridge for conversations between school, home, and the wider support network
Messages can be displayed in the classroom, shared with families, included in wellbeing displays, or even turned into a class keepsake. However they’re used, they become a part of the school’s wellbeing culture, one that values growth, empathy, and connection.
Looking Ahead
We’re thrilled to be introducing this next step in our approach, and we’re excited to see how schools, pupils, and families embrace it. At its core, “A Message for the Next”, whether to a peer, a class, or a family, is about building bridges. It’s about celebrating progress, sharing encouragement, and creating a sense of continuity in support.
Because sometimes, hearing from someone who’s been there before makes all the difference.
