Children and Youth

Little Lights

Every child deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and find their light again.

Little Lights is a CSRI Kenya programme offering mental health support, trauma-informed counselling, and resilience-building for children up to the age of 12. We walk alongside children and their families through grief, trauma, emotional distress, and difficult life transitions, so no child has to face hard times alone.

Ages 5–12Trauma-informed careCrisis supportCaregiver support
Child in a safe and supportive space
Children building resilience through play
5–12

Age range supported by the programme

Why This Matters

Why Little Lights?

Children who are hurting often feel lost, unheard, and alone. Whether they are carrying grief, adjusting to a difficult change at home, or struggling with emotions too big to name — they need someone who will listen and a safe space to begin healing. Little Lights makes sure that every child up to age 12 gets that support early, before the weight of it becomes too much to bear.

How We Help

Our Services

Five interconnected pillars of care designed for the unique needs of children up to age 12, their families, and the adults who support them.

Crisis Support and Safe Spaces

Our team provides compassionate psychological support for children in emotional distress.

  • Immediate support for children experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or thoughts of ending their life
  • Safe, child-friendly spaces designed for healing and recovery
  • Guidance and practical support for caregivers and guardians

Healing Through Play and Art

Children often express themselves best through creativity. We use therapeutic approaches that speak their language:

  • Art Therapy — drawing, painting, and crafts as a path to emotional expression
  • Music Therapy — using rhythm and sound to foster calm and connection
  • Storytelling and Role-Play — helping children process feelings through narrative

Every child carries a light within them. Our job is to help them find it again.

— CSRI Little Lights Team

Trauma-Informed Counselling

Child-friendly therapy sessions with trained counsellors who specialise in:

  • Play therapy and creative expression techniques
  • Emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies
  • Building self-esteem, confidence, and resilience
  • Family therapy to strengthen support systems at home

Training for Caregivers and Educators

We equip parents, guardians, and teachers with skills to recognise and respond when a child is struggling:

  • Spotting early signs of trauma, grief, or emotional distress in children
  • How to have gentle, open conversations about mental health with young people
  • Practical strategies to create a safe and nurturing environment at home and school

Peer Support and Social Skills

Our support groups help children feel less alone and build the skills they need to thrive:

  • Group therapy and peer mentoring in a safe, guided setting
  • Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence workshops
  • Confidence-building activities and age-appropriate leadership experiences
Children in a support session

“Every child deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and find their light again.”

— Little Lights
Open to All Who Need Us

Who Can Join?

Little Lights is open to children up to age 12, their families, and organisations committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of young people.

Children and Young People

Ages 5–12 experiencing trauma, grief, or emotional distress who need a safe and supportive space to begin healing.

Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

Those seeking guidance and support to better understand and care for a child going through a difficult time.

Schools and Child-Centred Organisations

Institutions looking for mental health training, resources, and partnerships to better support their students.

Help a Child Find Their Light

No Child Should Face This Alone

If you know a child who is struggling, or if you are a caregiver, educator, or organisation looking to support young people — reach out to the Little Lights team today. Together, we can help every child rediscover their light.