At Lucena Clinic CAMHS, the programme was evaluated with children who had diagnoses including autism, ADHD and anxiety disorders. The results showed significant improvements in emotional regulation and social problem solving, with gains maintained up to six months after the programme ended. Parents, teachers and children all reported positive and lasting changes in emotion management, behaviour, confidence and relationships.

The impact has been felt in everyday life. Parents described children becoming calmer, more confident and better able to manage difficult situations. One parent reported that their child was “able to hold his temper a lot better and handle situations”, while another observed that their child now attends activities with greater confidence and manages anxiety more effectively. Teachers noticed improved confidence in group settings, stronger friendships and a greater ability to think before reacting to challenging situations.

For the children themselves, the changes were equally significant, with many saying they felt less anxious, more capable of managing anger and better able to interact with their peers. Several described making new friends, learning practical strategies for coping with difficult situations and feeling safer and more confident in school and at home. 

The programme helps young people to build resilience at an early stage, creating stronger foundations for positive mental health and wellbeing into the future.

Through the support of clinicians, parents and teachers, SAS demonstrates how early intervention can equip children with lifelong emotion regulation and social problem-solving skills. By improving confidence, strengthening relationships and helping children navigate everyday challenges, the programme is making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and their families.

The Better Life Grant has enabled clinicians to purchase the required SAS software and hardware, allowing 48 children, their parents and teachers to access the specially designed SAS digital health platform in the clinic, at home and at school.