Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
“Empathy is understanding people even if they are different to you.” “Everyone deserves to be happy and understood.”
Year 6 pupil
Become a friend of EmpathyLab
At EmpathyLab, we turn the latest psychology research into practical tools for teachers, librarians, and families, using stories to build the empathy, wellbeing and connection that children need to flourish.
Divisions are growing — and children are feeling the impact.
At EmpathyLab we believe a better future is possible.
Our approach is simple: teach empathy — a learnable life skill and a powerful antidote to division.
“I believe developing empathy in children is one of the most important things we can do for the future of the human race and our planet.”
– EmpathyLab Schools Programme teacher
Research shows reading is one of the most effective ways to build empathy because of our neurological response to stories.
Yet reading enjoyment is falling fast – just 1 in 3 children now say they enjoy reading (National Literacy Trust).
But there is hope! Last year we shared new research from the University of Sussex showing that reading engagement, ability and empathy development are tightly intertwined.
“Children who are better at understanding others’ emotions become stronger readers, [and] reading motivation is higher when reading is approached through an empathy lens” (Reading Feelings, 2025).
Therefore, approaching reading with an empathy focus is key to reversing the decline in reading enjoyment. It’s vital that we share this knowledge and upskill educators and caregivers by offering access to EmpathyLab programmes.
Support our mission to raise empathy-educated generations – your generosity will help bring empathy education to more schools and communities
Become a Bronze Patron for £500/year
Become a Silver Patron for £1000/year
Become a Gold Patron for £2000/year
£3 per month – helps one child experience a whole year’s empathy education
£100 – helps bring empathy learning to a classroom
£700 – supports a whole school to benefit long term
“My class is a lot more open in the way they talk about feelings. It’s breaking down the barriers between us. Our children have become much kinder and more empathetic – I’ve been blown away.
Deputy Head, Pennar Community School
“As a headteacher, I have always believed that academic success and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. EmpathyLab has given us the tools to nourish both — an environment where students don’t just learn about empathy, they live it.”
Elaine McEwan, Carrick Academy
“This work is school-changing, life-changing, child-changing and potentially world-changing.”
Sonia Thompson, Headteacher, St Matthews CE Primary School, Birmingham
Help bring empathy education to more children and young people