Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) work across community services, including CAMHS, primary care, local authorities, and voluntary sector organisations.
They use psychological interventions to support children and young people with mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, and behavioural difficulties.
How CWPs Support Children & Families
CWPs work with children, young people, parents, carers, and families, alongside professionals such as CBT therapists, counsellors, and GPs. Their role is to improve access to psychological interventions and help individuals manage their own recovery.
This includes:
- Conducting person-centred assessments and identifying risks
- Providing evidence-based interventions such as guided self-help and therapeutic activities
- Referring more complex cases for additional support when needed
- Signposting to other agencies for further help
How Interventions Are Delivered
CWPs provide support one-to-one, in groups, or through workshops. Sessions can take place face-to-face, over the phone, or via video call.
The Approach
CWP interventions are based on CBT and Social Learning Theory to help individuals change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Training As a CWP
To become a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP), you need to apply for a trainee CWP role in a children’s and young people’s mental health service. These roles are advertised on the NHS Jobs website.
Training routes are available for both graduates who meet the academic requirements for a postgraduate qualification and those without an honours degree who can study at degree level or above.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of child and adolescent development, and experience working with children and young people. Those who successfully secure a trainee post will complete a fully funded 12-month training programme, which includes academic teaching alongside supervised in-service practice. Trainees are usually paid a Band 4 AfC salary during their training year.
For further information on training and entry requirements, please see here.
Career Progression
Once qualified as a CWP, there are opportunities to progress, including supervisory roles, skills development training, and potential specialisms in areas like paediatrics, neurodiversity, and leadership. Some CWPs also go on to train as Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists or Psychologists.
If you received NHS-funded training, you’ll need two years of post-qualification experience before applying for further funding, such as CBT training. Check with your service or training provider.
CWP Registration
CWPs must be registered with either the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the British Psychological Society (BPS). Full details about registration with BABCP is available here.
