CANW has proudly hosted Children and Young People’s Wellbeing (CYWP) trainees for over five years, in close collaboration with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) training provider

This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, investing in professional development, and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Each January, a new cohort of trainees joins CANW for a structured 12-month training programme. They attend twice-weekly taught sessions delivered by GMMH, where they gain evidence-based skills to support children and young people experiencing low mood, anxiety, and specific phobias. These sessions run until November, after which trainees continue working within our Emotional Health and Wellbeing (EHWB) team to complete their clinical hours and academic requirements.

Throughout the year, trainees:

• ✅ Deliver direct interventions to children, young people, and families
• ✅ Complete 120 clinical hours
• ✅ Submit three recorded sessions for assessment
• ✅ Undertake a written assignment and final exam

To ensure high-quality practice and professional growth, trainees receive weekly clinical and case management supervision and are fully embedded within the EHWB and wider CANW team. This immersive experience fosters a strong sense of belonging, encourages reflective practice, and builds confidence in delivering impactful mental health support.

Our ongoing commitment to hosting CYWP trainees demonstrates how CANW invests in people—not only within our organisation, but across the wider sector—by cultivating future practitioners who are equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Here are the thoughts of two of our trainees, six months into their training programme.

Annabel says,

“My first six month as a Trainee CYWP have flown by, and I’ve learnt so much! Here’s a brief catch up of how things are going so far, both on the university and work side of the role.

“University days have become something I look forward to each week! They are a chance to step away from the pace of work, and also a chance to chat with others who can relate to the trainee experience. I’ve built close friendships with fellow trainees, both from my own service and from others, and that sense of shared experience has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve also really enjoyed learning all the interventions and I am excited to start using them in practice, as I can see how they will benefit the children and young people I work with.

“Settling in at CANW has felt easy, as the CANW team has been so welcoming! Supervision has provided a supportive space where I can speak openly with my line manager. Another lovely addition has been our bi-monthly “Wellbeing Wednesdays.” These afternoons give us time to come together as trainees and with the qualified CYWP in our service. It’s a chance to switch off from work and university and to lean on each other for support and share experiences. I always come away from these sessions feeling refreshed and re-energised.

“Moving into the second half of the training year, I’m feeling excited to put my learning into practice, continue to grow my confidence and most importantly, support children and young people in a meaningful way.”

Another member of the cohort, Chris, shares their thoughts, half way through the programme.

“I can’t believe that I am already halfway through my training year as a CYWP. I have learnt so much in what has been a jam-packed few months. It has been a real mix of learning, challenges, and fun!

“So far, I have done three university assignments, which has been very interesting. I have also loved learning the theory and applying it within my sessions. It is so rewarding to see how a young person can benefit from some of the things I have learnt about, and how this can support them in feeling more in control of their thoughts and their worries.

“For me, as a previous Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner at CANW, it felt slightly odd having a two-month break from sessions with young people, and returning to doing so felt daunting at first. However, I really missed this part of the role—getting to know the young people I work with—and it feels amazing to be someone they can trust and open up to.

“Looking ahead, I am excited to keep learning and becoming more confident in my new role. I am really enjoying it, and I enjoy making a positive difference when I can!”

To find out about commissioning our services, please contact ehwb@canw.org.uk