Lizzy is kind and lovely, and Molly’s safety blanket when she is at school
Molly’s Story
Mental Health Awareness Week starts today, offering an important opportunity to reflect not only on individual wellbeing, but on the power of community in supporting mental health — particularly for children and families facing complex challenges that impact school attendance.
A recent Department for Education (DfE) study reinforces what our practitioners already see on the ground: poor mental health contributes to school absenteeism. The report shows that students experiencing more severe mental health difficulties are far more likely to miss school.
At School-Home Support (SHS), we see this reality every day. That’s why, to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing Molly’s story — a 14-year-old girl whose school attendance had dropped to just 15%, and whose home life was marked by conflict, emotional distress, and complete disengagement from school.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that behind every absence there is a child and a family that needs help— and that support-first, community-driven responses can change lives.
What was the situation?
Molly is 14 years old and currently lives with her mum and dad at home. Homelife is particularly challenging at the moment and Molly’s refusal to attend school is a consequence of a range of issues that has added to an already hostile environment at home. Molly needed extra support that a mainstream school could not provide, which led to her referral to the Pupil Referral Unit. At home, Molly’s situation is no different, she is often in explosive arguments with her mum that consequently ends in damaged furniture items. The relationship between Molly and her dad is a similar situation, leaving the relationship with her parents strained. Molly’s growing reluctance to go to school everyday gradually increased and as a result severely impacted her overall attendance, which currently reports at a baseline attendance of 15%.
What did School-Home Support do to help?
When Molly was referred to our School-Home Support Practitioner, Lizzy, she first began picking up Molly for school in the mornings. This prevented the harsh confrontation that would typically take place and helped to ease tension in the mornings between Molly and her mum. Lizzy maintained a close relationship with Molly’s mum through daily calls, and home visits to check in on both parents and brief them on Molly’s progress at school.
Through a multi-agency approach, Lizzy helped identify the additional needs and support that Molly required but didn’t have yet and it was affecting her academic progress in school. As such, Lizzy has attended CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) appointments with Molly, and supported Mum by attending EP (Educational Psychologist) and SALT (Speech and Language Therapy) referrals to help Molly with her additional needs that were posing a huge barrier in the mainstream setting she was previously placed in. Lizzy has also used other creative methods to help Molly get re-engaged with the school, by taking her out to get supplies for schools in line with their upcoming activities. When Molly is not in school lessons, Lizzy dedicates 1-2-1 time with Molly to help her refocus and allow her the space to air any concerns, issues and worries she’s currently experiencing.
What are the outcomes?
Molly and Lizzy have formed a trusting relationship which has helped contribute to Molly’s engagement with school. She is now attending school on a regular basis and her attendance has improved to 45%. With the assistance of an EHCP plan in place, Molly is also now getting the extra support for her additional needs. She is working hard to catch up with her school work, and has even started expressing ideas about her future concerning college applications and pursuits. Mum is really grateful for Lizzy’s support, and has commented how she has been the pinnacle point of support for the improvement of her relationship with Molly. Overall, our Practitioner, Lizzy is positive that Molly’s confidence and commitment to school will continue to grow and is demonstrative in the amazing progress she has achieved so far.