#Whatif? – Now in Year 3: Raising Potential, Strengthening Wellbeing

Imagine being able to provide crucial emotional, educational, and wellbeing support to some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable children. Since its launch in 2022, #Whatif? has done just that—and continues to do so, now entering its third year of transformative delivery in 2025.

Born from urgent needs identified during and after the pandemic—including increased emotional distress, social disengagement, and disrupted learning—this project remains essential in helping children reconnect, rebuild confidence, and thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

What We Do

We work in close collaboration with Edmonton schools and the Wellbeing Connect Service (WCS) to provide targeted mental health and educational support to young people, particularly those in the lowest 20% of attainment. Schools refer children and families in need of wellbeing support or mental health assessments. From there:

• Whole-family support is provided, often leading to NHS referrals or direct care from WCS.
• Children are assigned a mentor from WCS or ECP, offering in-school and out-of-school support through 1:1 and group sessions.
• Families gain improved understanding of available services, creating long-term impacts at home, school, and work.

What’s New in Year 3

Thanks to strong outcomes and overwhelming demand, the project has secured continued NHS funding from the North Central London Integrated Care Board for 2025. In Year 3, ECP’s element is focusing not only on maintaining high-quality delivery but also enhancing structure, consistency, and partnership working in response to recommendations from our latest evaluation report.

Key improvements include:

• A clear and standardised offer to all participating schools to improve consistency and reduce staff workload
• A termly delivery schedule to include planned assessment, review, and strategy time
• Strengthened data tracking and goal-setting to evidence progress and ensure accountability
• Greater emphasis on pastoral support—recognising that emotional safety and trust are foundational to learning

Our Impact So Far

• 10 schools and one post-16 setting engaged
• Weekly bespoke maths sessions with Isaac Anoom (Mr Numbervator) supporting over 400 pupils across Y4–Y7
• All children supported fall within the lowest 20% of attainment, many of whom speak English as an additional language or live in temporary housing
• Measurable progress in maths performance, confidence, and mental wellbeing across every school
• Pastoral care and mentoring forming the emotional backbone of support, often extending beyond the classroom into extracurricular activities and family advocacy

Tackling Systemic Barriers

In a context where many families lack access to public funds—and therefore do not benefit from Pupil Premium—#Whatif? fills a critical gap. Edmonton and Ponders End rank among the top 20% most deprived areas in the UK. Cramped housing, high mobility, and limited English proficiency all contribute to barriers in both education and health. Our project addresses these intersecting challenges head-on.

Enrichment & Learning Recovery

Alongside wellbeing support, we also run:

• Catch-up numeracy sessions with Mr Numbervator  and Angel Mills to boost confidence and close learning gaps
• Aspirational visits and author workshops to expand children’s horizons
• Staff training and community mental health events, equipping schools and families with tools for resilience

Looking Ahead

In 2025, #Whatif? will focus on deeper integration with schools, improved evaluation, and broader reach. We are committed to:

• Closing the attainment gap
• Building self-belief and wellbeing in every child
• Giving Edmonton’s young people the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed

Every child deserves a chance. With your partnership, #Whatif? continues to make that possible.