A new report highlights the close links between low wellbeing, school belonging, and school attendance and the impact and value of targeted one-to-one support designed to boost young people’s wellbeing.
One in four (25%) 15-year-olds in the UK have low wellbeing, with worse outcomes for those who admitted to skipping classes in the past fortnight (34%) or do not feel a sense of belonging at school (42%).
This complex interaction is reflected in rising concerns around Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) when a child struggles to attend school due to emotional distress. EBSA could be affecting a significant number of children, contributing to the doubling of persistent absence since the pandemic.
The report, from Pro Bono Economics (PBE), ‘Building belonging: The impact and value of one-to-one support on young people’s wellbeing and school attendance’ spotlights the Power2 Rediscover programme, which provides 10 intensive, one-to-one sessions designed to boost young people’s mental wellbeing. Since 2020, the programme has supported over 500 children in London and the Northwest across 87 schools. Pupils work with one-to-one facilitators and focus on their wellbeing, confidence, communication and engagement at school.
Pupils who participated in Power2 Rediscover could improve wellbeing by the equivalent of 1.2 Life Satisfaction points (on a scale of 0-10) — double the estimated impact of an unemployed adult gaining employment. PBE economists monetised the wellbeing benefits of the programme, using HM Treasury-approved methods, and evaluation by the #BeeWell team at the University of Manchester.
PBE’s analysis found that Power2 Rediscover is likely to offer value for money – with running costs of £1,200 per young person, the wellbeing benefits only need to last five weeks for the programme to be cost-effective. If the impact lasts ten weeks, the benefits would reach £2,600 per young person—offering £2 in benefits for every £1 spent. And if instead the impact actually lasted six months, the wellbeing benefits are £6,900 per young person or £5 in wellbeing benefits for every £1 spent.
Lucy, 13, from Manchester, struggled with severe anxiety after the Covid lockdowns, leading to poor school attendance. She was referred to Power2 Rediscover but was too anxious to attend sessions at school.
To support her, the Power2 team arranged meetings in a quiet office space. Initially shy and avoiding eye contact, Lucy gradually opened up. She learned to challenge negative thoughts, use positive self-talk, and set achievable goals.
Over time, her confidence grew and by the end of the programme, Lucy was back in school, attending regularly and feeling happier. Lucy’s mother said, “Power2 went out of their way to help Lucy. Her confidence has really built up.”
Lucy’s story highlights how tailored support can help young people regain confidence and overcome school-related anxiety.
Julie Randles, CEO at Power2, said: “PBE’s report findings underline the urgent need to invest in targeted, one-to-one support for young people who are struggling. At Power2, we have seen first-hand how early intervention can transform a child’s wellbeing, confidence, and engagement with school. The Power2 Rediscover programme has already made a difference to hundreds of young people, and we are committed to expanding our reach to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.”
Rachel Gomez, Senior Economist at PBE, said: “PBE’s report provides compelling evidence that targeted interventions like Power2 Rediscover offer not only vital support to young people but also deliver value for money. Investing in programmes that improve wellbeing and school engagement can have significant long-term benefits for individuals and society.”
These initial findings add to the existing body of evidence that suggests one-to-one support can provide children with the tools to thrive. With youth wellbeing in decline and school disengagement on the rise, it is vital that schools, funders and policymakers work with charities to build systems to ensure struggling children receive support from organisations best placed to engage them.