About ThisLife Collective
In partnership
ThisLife Collective provides a range of therapeutic support and services, primarily for young people, but also for the adults in their lives. After working with young people for many years, we know that high school for many, are not “the best days of your life”. Lots of young people just about survive high school. Sadly some leave school with a very negative view of themselves, other people and the wider world.
We know that the pressures on young people today are different and more varied and complex than they used to be. We use our skills to help young people and the adults in their lives navigate their way through the formative secondary school years.
Keeping young people safe is Number 1
At the beginning of working with young people, we ALWAYS explain the importance of safeguarding in words anyone can understand.
Eg. “What said in the room, stays in the room UNLESS there is a safeguarding concern. That means if I think you are in danger, hurting yourself or someone else is hurting you or if there is a crime committed. We don’t share you off-loading / rants or complaints about teachers (unless you want us to). But if we hear something we are concerned about, we will have to report it… and we will always tell you if this happens.”
Relational
People are people, that has not changed. We learn from people we like. Positive relationships are the key to feeling ok.
No judgement
Young people are the experts in their lives. Shame dies in safe places.
We never judge. Anyone.
Listening and understanding
All any of us wants is to be listened to and understood. This is what we do, we might also give you advice, guidance and help you find solutions.
Trauma responsive
Childhood, the world and adult experiences can all bring levels of trauma. We provide safe places and people who can understand.
Our team and our partners
We work in partnership with like minded people. We work with people and organisatons who understand that young people need proper, human connection and they need to be listened to and understood by people they can trust .
We are constantly learning from the young people we work with and what we do know, is based on 30+ years of working with young people, and we love the bones of them.
Our team
Sue Gorton-Davison
Director
Specialist Teacher
Deborah Campbell
Director
Specialist Teacher
Counsellor
Tracy Dobson
Executive Director
Pippi Longstocking
Our Therapy Dog
(She lives with Sue)
Our partners
Foundation Futures
We empower people facing life’s challenges through inclusive youth, community and education programmes. We provide the chances and support people need to thrive and chase their dreams with confidence and courage.
Workie Ticket Theatre
Workie Ticket Theatre is a survivor-led, female-led organisation based in North Tyneside. Our mission is to amplify the voices of women and marginalised communities through theatre for social change. We create safe, inclusive spaces where survivors of gender-based violence, male violence, and abuse can share their stories, using lived experience to challenge inequality, spark dialogue, and inspire change. Rooted in intersectional feminism, our work also explores hidden histories and heritage, reclaiming narratives that have been silenced or forgotten. From grassroots workshops with socially isolated women and girls to wider community projects, we believe theatre is a powerful tool for connection, cultural change, and ensuring women’s voices are not only heard but valued.
Eating Distress North East
Eating Distress North East (EDNE) is a charity offering independent confidential services to people affected by eating distress across the North East.
They are the only specialist eating distress charity in the North East and aim to be a centre of excellence for eating distress support. They offer counselling, support, information, help and hope to anyone in the North East affected by eating distress.
This support is offered to people who are experiencing eating distress with or without a medical diagnosis.
ThisLife programme in-school support
Our school-based workshops are designed to provide individualised support to students, addressing their emotional health and overall wellbeing. We believe in creating a safe space for young people to explore their challenges and develop essential life skills.
These sessions are available for schools / SEND teams to book.
Teacher support
We are teachers. We understand.
Teaching can be the best and worst of jobs. There is truly not another profession like it.
We offer confidential, non-judgemental support to help you navigate your first months and years of teaching.
Counselling
Deb is a qualified counsellor with 30 years of teaching experience. She can offer a variety of counselling services and has a wealth of experience.
Her sessions are available to schools and parents.