School Support

“It’s been great for X to have the safe space. I feel it has helped her feel empowered in her feelings, thoughts and observations and being able to share them. I’d love for the sessions to continue and expand to the wider community.”

Parent feedback - secondary emotional wellbeing support sessions

"I wanted to say a very big thank you for putting on such an excellent session [for 150 sixth form students]. It was extremely valuable, insightful and thought-provoking and I heard many of the students talking very positively and with passion about the things that you covered. Hope to see you again soon and work with you in the near future."

Deputy Head of a Secondary School

“The session was well delivered and facilitated so that each student had the opportunity to speak as little or as much as they wanted, in a way that was authentic to them. Even at this young age, they were aware of their Blackness within their setting and it was clear that the space allowed them the opportunity to celebrate it, as well as find collective strategies to deal with the challenges that they faced as such distinct minorities. The fact that students came bolting in during lunch time and needed to be ushered out of the door perhaps best displayed how much this meant to them. It only takes observation of the space to see how essential this is to Black students and how this can greatly improve their school experience over time. I think it's imperative to state that the collective language they were/are able to gain in such a setting not only allowed them to articulate their experience, but it also helped them to be able to articulate it among their peers and teachers, in the end, helping to foster greater school wide understanding and allyship - something they had also mentioned was happening and as being of benefit.

Aisha Sanusi, Director of African Carribean Education Network (ACEN)

“The group sessions have been going very well. They have formed the basis for an additional support network for the students and have really helped students with: • perspective taking • acknowledging when something is beyond their remit i.e. when they should be deferring to a responsible adult • speaking honestly about how they feel.”

"Ama was an engaging speaker who helped our staff with adapting the curriculum to the needs of our pupils. She also ran a fantastic session on solution circles which gave us the tools to discuss issues and resolve them. We have used this technique frequently throughout this term and it has helped to move the school forward. We highly recommend Ama for any SEN staff training needs, her knowledge is invaluable"

Assistant Head for Inclusion

“Creating a safe space for black girls in a predominantly white environment takes a rare combination of courage, discretion and sensitivity – I’m so grateful that Dr Collison is skilled in all three. She is able to nurture both he individual girls and the group, enriching not only their experience but a sense of cohesion benefitting the whole school.”

Anti-racism project: Emotional wellbeing support for black students

“I think [the sessions] have been an invaluable experience, X is always excited to attend and is equally excited after they’ve had the sessions. I think she really enjoys the separate time with other girls in the group. She appreciates the safe space to talk about issues she would only usually be able to discuss at home. Having a group of girls her age that can relate to some of her experiences and being able to get support and perspective really helps, rather than just getting advice form me. I feel it's given her some independence in this transitional period and also confidence in her identity."

Parent

"Ama is an experienced Educational and Child Psychologist. Her knowledge, advice and support is always extremely helpful. A passionate and mild mannered professional who is an unapologetic advocate for young people. I feel very confident placing my students and their families in her very capable hands."

Ms deCordova (SEN Tutor)