New mental health programme for Coventry primary schools
Organisers are hoping to continue growing the scheme to reach more than 200 young people by spring.
Last updated 16th Jan 2023
A new mental health programme is being rolled out to Coventry primary schools to help stem the rise in young people developing life-long mental health problems.
The Engage Flourish Programme is being delivered across the city to give 10 to 12-year-olds the tools to develop their self-esteem and adopt a positive mindset.
It comes as an NHS survey revealed that the rates of probable mental disorders in children have increased from one in nine, to one in six.
Around 39% of six to 16-year-olds had experienced deterioration in their mental health since 2017.
The six-week scheme is being delivered in schools by CV Life’s Engage team, and its weekly content has been created using research by Dr Raj Pahil from Coventry City Council’s Educational Psychology Service.
The eight-year-long research has resulted in a model that outlines the information and environment that young people need to strengthen their mental health – including growing their character, regulating emotions, and a forming a sense of belonging.
Dr Raj Pahil said: "As a country, we need to move more towards a system where every child receives support – otherwise the country’s mental health crisis will deepen even further.
"The Engage Flourish Programme is the first step in trying to demonstrate best practice in this area."
He added: "It is educating children about their rights and the key factors that contribute to positive mental health, as they are then empowered to make decisions that will help to improve their mindset, character and social well-being."
Stuart Bird, from CV Life, is overseeing the delivery of the programme, which is aiming to be in eight schools across the city by the end of the academic year.
He said: "Life skills – particularly resilience – are now just as important as other academic skills in equipping the next generation to succeed, which is why we are urging schools to take a proactive approach on addressing this by joining the Engage Flourish Programme.
"This is underlined by the increasing pressure being placed on adult mental health services, and we want to avoid a repeat of this later down line for this current crop of young people."
The programme has been launched to more than 120 pupils at Stivichall Primary School and Finham Primary School this academic year, with an additional 90 children by Spring 2023.