About Me

I believe that as a society we are placing too much emphasis on a deficit model of mental health. My work with children and teenagers shows that when we encourage children and teens to share their ideas and experiences they will do so willingly and with a level of empathy towards others that is liberating for each and everyone of them. This site speaks to my findings and my work in this area. On this site you can find a link to my book on the subject of young people's mental health and free resources that you are very welcome to download and use.

I am currently a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sussex. My research interests focus on children and young people, and I have completed fieldwork in Vietnam, Ireland and the UK. I am particularly interested in child rights, and working collaboratively in group settings with teenagers in order to develop positive wellbeing.

Ten years ago I started running group sessions with children and young people in which we worked together to develop coping strategies for dealing with everyday challenges. The contents of this website link directly to that project.

You are welcome to use any of the materials on this site in your own work with children and if you have any questions or thoughts that you would like to share with me do contact me at : info@rachelburr.com