A Derby organisation supporting children’s emotional literacy and mental health has launched a new Family Support Fund to help more local families access early support. Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C., based at St Mary’s Gate in Derby, has £17,500 available to subsidise support for eligible families who may otherwise be unable to afford its paid-for services. The money was raised by founders and directors Jennifer Wyman and Nikki Webster, together with the wider Bridge the Gap team and supporters, at a fundraising gala held at Derby’s Vaillant Live in March.
Jennifer said: “Having to turn away families who need support because of financial barriers is heartbreaking, which is why we created the Family Support Fund. “Alongside our community work, we run a successful paid-for service, but we recognise that private support is not financially accessible to every family. “This fund will enable more primary-school-aged children who are beginning to struggle to access early, relational support. It will help children understand and navigate their emotions, build emotional resilience and develop skills that can support their mental health throughout life.
“Early intervention should be available to every child who needs it. Emotional health must be a priority for our children, and we want to reach families before their difficulties escalate or they reach crisis point.”
Bridge the Gap is an award-winning, not-for-profit community interest company. Established in 2017, it has supported thousands of children and their parents and carers through personalised emotional literacy and mental health support. The organisation was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK – and is an established provider of emotional literacy support and training. Its team also works with schools and other organisations to equip parents, carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to understand children’s emotional needs and respond effectively.
Nikki, a registered mental health nurse and Bridge the Gap’s Clinical Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of what we achieved through our gala dinner, and we would like to thank every person and organisation who supported us. “The Family Support Fund will help children and families who would find it difficult to meet the full cost of our services. It will contribute towards one-to-one emotional literacy and mental health support, enabling more children to receive the right help at the right time.
“Our programmes are relational and paced according to each individual child’s needs. They give children a safe space to understand what they are experiencing and develop skills that can provide strong foundations for their future emotional wellbeing.” Families wishing to apply to the Family Support Fund are being invited to contact Bridge the Gap to explain their circumstances and the support their child needs. Applications will be considered according to the child’s needs, the family’s circumstances and the funding available.
Jennifer, who has worked with children and families for more than 25 years, has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the Charity Champion category of the Best Businesswomen Awards 2026.
She said: “I know how difficult it can be for families to find the right support and then to meet the cost of accessing it privately. We never want finances to be the only reason a child cannot receive help. Financial pressures can add to the strain families are already experiencing and this fund will allow us to make our support more accessible. Being able to turn the generosity shown that evening into meaningful support for local families means everything to us.
Our motto at Bridge the Gap is that every child should feel hope. As a city, we need to show up for our children and let them and their families know that support is available.”
To find out more about the Family Support Fund, including how to apply for subsidised support, visit www.jwbridgethegap.com.
