You’ll be shocked to know that in 2024, the Royal College of Psychiatrists reported 204,000 children were referred to psychiatric services for anxiety-related problems. That number is staggering, and yet I’m repeatedly asked a question by potential franchisees that makes me want to laugh under my breath: “But is there really a need for this work?”

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Let’s be clear. When over two hundred thousand children are being sent into services for anxiety alone – and that’s just one category of mental health – the need is undeniable. What the statistic really means is this: in every classroom, in every town, in every community, there are children struggling in silence or waiting for support that may never come.

Every child represents a family desperately searching for answers, and every practitioner represents a lifeline.

Of course, the existence of the problem isn’t enough by itself. Having a coaching franchise means you still need to let those families know that help is available, and that requires marketing. But the demand is not the question. The question is whether you are willing to step forward and meet it.

Do Parents Really Pay for This?

Another eyebrow-raising question I hear is: “Do parents actually pay for this kind of support?” To me, this reveals how out of touch some people are with the reality of parenting a child in crisis. Because when your child is struggling – when you see their sleep disrupted, their school attendance slipping, their friendships breaking down – you don’t stop to debate whether or not you should pay. You find the money, the time, and the resources, because the cost of not acting is unbearable.

Parents don’t weigh up their child’s wellbeing against a new television or a holiday. They do whatever it takes to get help, and they do it quickly. That’s why NLP4Kids exists: to be that help when other doors are closed or waiting lists are too long.

When a child is in pain, the question is never “Will parents pay?” The only question is “Who can help them fast enough?”

The Power of Taking Action

For families, investing in NLP4Kids is often the turning point where chaos becomes calm. The coaching strategies we teach children give them the tools to manage their emotions, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with learning. The value of that transformation far outweighs the cost.

And for those considering joining our coaching franchise, it means stepping into work that is both urgently needed and deeply valued. There is no shortage of clients – only a shortage of people brave enough to answer the call.

Why the Questions Matter

When people ask, “Do the clients exist?” or “Will parents pay?” what they’re really asking is: “Will this work for me?” The answer lies in your willingness to step into the arena, to do the outreach, and to offer something that families are crying out for.

The statistics prove the need. Parents prove the willingness to invest. What remains is the decision: are you the person who will rise to meet the challenge?

by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai)

Becoming a Licensee