One-third of adult mental health issues are linked to adverse childhood experiences. Adults who faced four or more adversities during childhood are four times more likely to report low levels of mental well-being and life satisfaction. Addressing these issues early can significantly mitigate future risks by building resilience during childhood.
Recognising the importance of early intervention, we have developed our schools project, focusing on building resilience and mental well-being as they transition into adulthood. Our goal is to empower both young people and their teachers with the tools they need to navigate challenges, laying the foundation for a healthier future.
We are excited to introduce a comprehensive mental health resilience project specifically designed for schools, focusing on both students and teachers. This initiative is built around two core elements:
“All about me” – For Primary Schools
“All about me” is a program tailored for primary school students, aiming to gently encourage them to step out of their comfort zones through manageable daily goals. Each week, students will set three personal targets that challenge them slightly more than before. For instance, if a student typically runs for 20 minutes, their new goal might be 30 minutes. Other examples include making their bed each morning or reading two chapters of a book instead of just one.
At the end of each day, students will reflect on their feelings by ticking off the emotions they’ve experienced. They are encouraged to be honest, recognising that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions throughout the day. Additionally, there’s space provided for students to jot down their thoughts, helping them to identify what influences their mood, whether it’s positive or negative.
At the end of each week, students will score their week out of 10, with 1 being a challenging week and 10 being the best week ever. This reflective practice supports the development of self-awareness and resilience.
The Mindset Principle – For Older Students
The Mindset Principle is designed to cultivate a sustainable, positive mindset through realistic and achievable daily activities. Over a 12-week program, participants will work towards three personal motivators using the Rule of Three:
- 3 Daily Activators: Small, daily actions tailored to each participant’s goals.
- 3 Personal Motivators: Personal goals that drive and inspire participants.
- 3 Blocks of Repetition: These daily activators are practiced weekly and repeated in 4-week blocks.
The program is introduced through a 60-minute session, either in person or online where our fully qualified, in-house trainers will present the course, distribute materials, and set out a schedule for monthly check-ins. Throughout the 12 weeks, participants will engage in check-ins with class groups or teachers after each 4-week block, allowing them to discuss progress, share successes, and address any challenges with the trainer and their peers.
Teacher Support and Safeguarding
Recognising the crucial role of teachers, the program also includes mental health support for educators, providing them with both personal support and advice on how to assist their students. All necessary safeguarding measures are in place to ensure the well-being of both students and staff throughout the program. Our trainers hold enhanced DBS Certificates, have extensive experience in the mental health and wellbeing arena and are trained in safeguarding for young people and vulnerable adults.
How can these projects make a difference?
- Tackling the Mental Health Crisis in Schools
Mental health challenges among young people are on the rise, with many students experiencing stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. This proactive approach not only helps students cope with challenges today but equips them with tools and strategies that will benefit them throughout their lives.
- Empowering the Next Generation
The “All About Me” and Mindset Principle programs are designed to empower students to set and achieve personal goals, creating a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. These programs teach essential life skills such as goal-setting, self-reflection, and emotional regulation—skills that are crucial for personal and academic success.
- Supporting Teachers’ Well-being
Teachers play a pivotal role in the development of children, yet they can face significant stress and burnout. This project provides much-needed mental health support for educators, helping them to manage their own well-being while also giving them the tools to better support their students. Our goal for this project is to not only support students, but to also support teachers, which ultimately leads to enabling them to create a more positive and effective learning environment, benefitting the entire school community.
- Creating a Sustainable Impact
The structured 12-week program is designed for long-term success. It’s not just a one-time intervention but a sustainable approach that encourages continuous personal growth.
- Proven, Evidence-Based Approach
The project is built on evidence-based practices that have been shown to improve mental health and resilience.
