The myHappymind programme supports children in schools to develop better wellbeing, according to an evaluation by Centre for Mental Health, published today.
The report by Centre for Mental Health evaluates evidence of the myHappymind programme from early years settings and primary schools in Bradford and in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. It finds that the programme supports children in developing their emotional regulation, self-esteem and wellbeing.
Backed by the NHS, commissioned in 45 NHS Place and Local Authorities across the UK and operating in more than 2000 schools, myHappymind builds pupils’ emotional literacy, self-regulation and resilience through structured, age-appropriate lessons, practical strategies delivered in class, a parent and carer app and a staff wellbeing programme.
According to analysis of survey data from teachers, the programme had a range of positive effects, including on pupils’ wellbeing, self-esteem, emotional literacy and behaviour.
Staff reported that children appeared calmer, more reflective, and better equipped to talk about their feelings. The evaluation also shows that the programme created accessible, shared language which enables children of different ages and those with special educational needs (SEN) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs to talk about and better understanding their brains and feelings.
Inclusive programmes like myHappymind, that work across the school and with the parent-carer community can be an important part of preventing mental health problems and early intervention, the report says. The report adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests that the myHappymind programme has a positive effect on pupils, staff and parents and carers as well as the school climate, aligning with previous studies from the University of Chester and Portsmouth City Council.
The report recommends that The Departments of Health and Social Care and Education should work together to support schools to follow a whole-school approach to promoting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, aligning with existing NHS mental health support teams.
Andy Bell, Chief Executive at Centre for Mental Health, said: “Schools have a key role in shaping and influencing children and young people’s mental health. The myHappymind programme has demonstrated that it can make a difference to children, their parents and their teachers. We hope that the Government’s forthcoming mental health strategy will take the opportunity to boost mental health in schools, giving them the tools they need to support children’s wellbeing and investing in what works.”
Laura Earnshaw, Chief Executive of myHappymind, said: ”Delighted to see this further evaluation affirm what our schools and commissioners tell us every day. Every child deserves a positive education in mental wellbeing from the youngest years, and prevention has to start there. For too long we have focused on reacting once children reach crisis. myHappymind is the left shift in action: a whole-school prevention programme built into the school day for children, parents and staff, with a shared language that works for children with SEN and SEMH needs. This is what the SEND reforms are calling for. It is also why we see significant cost avoidance across the system, because when children are supported early, far fewer need to be referred on to specialist services.”
