Michael Barnard Charitable Trust

Our Mission

Established in 2014, the Michael Barnard Charitable Trust (MBCT) is a small, nonprofit charity that commissions qualified and experienced counsellors and mentors to provide specialist support within secondary schools in Essex. Our dedicated team works one-on-one with students, allowing for genuine connection and important collaboration, with a focus on building confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being. We are also proud to extend our services to school staff, recognising the vital role well-being plays in enabling educators and support teams to thrive in their roles. The MBCT was founded by Michael Barnard, who has long recognised the increasing pressure on schools and the gap in available support services. His ongoing funding and commitment ensure that we can offer high-quality, tailored interventions in schools that need them most; however, we require wider support to reach more students across Essex. As a small charity, we are passionate about making a long-lasting and meaningful impact—and we welcome support from individuals and organisations who share our vision. Your support helps us reach more young people in need.We truly believe that supporting young people’s mental and emotional health has a powerful ripple effect—leading to happier individuals, stronger school communities, and better outcomes both in the classroom and at home.