emotional literacy

We are an Emotional Literacy-based service operating a relationship-focused model.

What is Emotional Literacy, and why is it important?

Emotional Literacy involves recognising and understanding our own emotions, understanding their context, and identifying appropriate ways to respond. It also encompasses implementing these responses while considering others' feelings and adjusting our reactions accordingly.

Developing Emotional Literacy supports authentic emotional resilience, aiding us in nurturing children to become emotionally intelligent adults. This evidence-based approach has been shown to improve long-term outcomes for children's mental health.

By focusing on Emotional Literacy, we aim to provide children with the skills necessary for long-term positive mental health and well-being.

Emotional literacy is a specialist area—it requires dedicated training, deep understanding, and appropriate clinical supervision. Our entire careers are built around it because it is nuanced and vital.

Relationship Focused

At Bridge the Gap, relationship-focused means we prioritise building a strong, trusting relationship with each child before moving into emotional literacy work. We allow time for this connection to develop, ensuring the child feels both safe and brave in their sessions.

We take a longer-term, personalised approach, adapting our support to each child's needs. By working at their pace and communicating with the key people in their life, we plant seeds to form a foundation that supports lasting emotional growth and resilience.

Free Digital Booklet

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You can find out more about Emotional Literacy by reading our FREE digital booklet. It has practical ideas as to how you can support Emotional Literacy development at home, and begins to make links to emotions and behaviour.

Emotional Literacy Resources

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We have a library of FREE resources to support parents and professionals to explore emotional literacy at home. Take a look here.

Is Emotional Literacy support good for anxiety?

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Absolutely! Anxiety is a natural emotion that everyone experiences, but without understanding it, we can develop anxiety about anxiety, fuelling a difficult cycle. The earlier we support children in learning about anxiety, worry, and the physical responses in their bodies, the better their long-term outcomes.

We have a dedicated page on anxiety and a wealth of free resources for parents and professionals. The language we use matters, and as specialists in emotional literacy, we ensure that our resources are safe, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research.

While teachers and other professionals often take on the responsibility of emotional learning, specialist training is essential—because when it comes to mental health, expertise makes a difference.

Why is it different to counselling or therapy?

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Emotional literacy support at Bridge the Gap differs from traditional counselling or therapy because it focuses on proactive, early intervention rather than clinical diagnosis or treatment. While therapy often addresses deep-rooted trauma or mental health disorders, our emotional literacy approach helps children build self-awareness, recognise and express emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe, nurturing environment.

Parents may choose this support because it provides practical, developmentally appropriate tools that empower both children and their families. Our sessions are tailored to meet the child’s needs in a non-clinical, engaging way, bridging the gap between education and mental health support to nurture long-term emotional resilience.

Where do I start?

If you are looking to purchase resources to introduce Emotional Literacy within the home then watch this video with our top 10 resources, Jennifer explains what they are and how to use them!

Investing in emotional literacy from an early age is one of the most powerful ways to support children’s long-term wellbeing. Early intervention and proactive learning help children build resilience, understand their emotions, and develop the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

At Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health CIC, we offer in-person workshops and online webinars for both children and adults, empowering families, educators, and professionals with the knowledge and strategies to nurture strong emotional wellbeing. By creating safe and brave spaces for emotional learning, we can protect children’s mental health and give them the best possible foundation for the future.

Explore our Book Online page to discover upcoming workshops and webinars, or visit our pages for parents, children and schools to learn more about our emotional literacy interventions, specialist programmes, and the support we offer through ACT therapy.

It is accepted that we teach children to learn how to swim, so should they fall into deep water they have the skills necessary to keep themselves safe. We start from birth and then progress through stages as they grow - it doesn't stop them falling into deep water, but by teaching them how to swim, and helping them to understand how to stay safe then we dramatically reduce the chances of them drowning.

At Bridge the Gap we teach children how to emotionally swim. It's the same premise, start young and move through the levels as they grow, this helps them to build authentic emotional resilience and helps to protect their mental health through life's challenges.

Personalised support designed specifically for YOUR child and family.
Helping to understand, accept and to move through difficult emotions and boosting self-esteem.
Working through difficult, specific circumstances in a safe space.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions about our service.

We are not a counselling service.

worried about your child?

You can book a telephone assessment call or parent support session with a member of our team by booking online (click the button below) or by emailing info@jwbridgethegap.com. Not sure? Get in touch and arrange a free 15 minute discovery call.

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