Mission to support young people, their families and businesses with growing mental health challenges

Over her 20-year career, Gemma Hockney-Hayes has seen a huge change in the challenges of mental health and wellbeing while she has helped youngsters with special educational needs and challenging behaviour.

Covid and lockdowns, together with financial and social pressures on parents and their children, have left many struggling to find a balance of self-care in the face of emotional difficulties, anxiety and depression which have become day-to-day issues for many.

However, Gemma is determined to make a difference by offering more-rounded, tailored support which takes a holistic approach to finding life-changing solutions.  

She adds: “I am determined to make a difference in a proactive way, by training staff, supporting corporate firms and educating young people and their families to prevent mental health challenges from occurring.

“There is a lack of resilience caused by not knowing how to help young people to deal with normal life triggers as they grow and develop. Parents are under so much pressure financially and at work, while everyone is in constant contact with phones and ipads.

“My career has afforded me immense opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges young people face today and the way in which those can negatively impact not only on the emotional and mental health of the individual but that of their families too.”

Gemma took the leap to set up HHS Well-Being and is now offering private support in four areas:

• One-to-one support sessions for all ages – for therapeutic support at home, in school, remotely or in a neutral space.
• Corporate wellbeing solutions – working to create a happy and healthy environment with team building and mental health awareness training. 
• Wellbeing support for families and parents – helping you to know what to say and do in order to be supportive while juggling home, work and your family.
• School support and workshops – helping schools to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of mental health.

Gemma said: “I really want people to know that they don’t need to suffer and struggle alone. There are ways to reach out and explore the range of therapies and solutions available.”

What clients say

• “Gemma is simply brilliant, her calm articulate manner really put our daughter at ease and helped her discuss her issues openly with Gemma. Gemma was instrumental in our daughter’s swift recovery- Highly recommend.” Father of an 11-year-old girl who received help at home

•  “I have been seeing Gemma on and off for around six-and-a-half years now and I honestly can’t thank her enough for everything she has taught me. Gemma provides a safe and comforting space that allows me to be open and honest. The strategies that Gemma has worked through with me have really helped my anxiety and allowed me to change my negative thought processes.” 22-year-old who has been supported through school life and at home
• “A shortage of self confidence, a mentality to overthink and a need to deliver perfection. Are all subjects Gemma encouraged me to understand, confront and overcome through various techniques.” 17-year-old who received one-to-one help

• “Gemma consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of wellbeing within school communities.
• She fosters a positive and supportive environment that makes a lasting impact on the well-being of all students and staff.” School nurse at an independent school

Get in touch

Gemma works remotely and face-to-face across Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

To find out more about Gemma’s story, HHS Well-Being and the range of support they can offer, visit the website

For free self-help wellbeing guides and tips, see the website

HHS Wellbeing, here to help you feel Happy, Healthy and Supported

This is paid for content and readers are encouraged to seek NHS advice if they are suffering from mental health problems