Wellbeing

Adrian Bethune is a writer, teacher and Healthy Body and Mind leader at a primary school in Hertfordshire. In 2012, he was awarded a ‘Happy Hero’ medal at the House of Lords for his work on developing wellbeing in schools. Here he explores the benefits of showing kindness, and how the smallest acts can make a big impact.

Victoria Hewett is an education blogger and creator of the #Teacher5adayBuddyBox wellbeing scheme. She is a passionate advocate for improving teacher wellbeing and reducing workload. Here she shares her ideas for strategies you can use to support your own wellbeing.

Val Payne has over 30 years’ experience in education and social care and Peter Harper is a former NHS consultant clinical psychologist. They are the authors of '50 Ways to Feel Happy' and volunteer for Action for Happiness. They explain why it is important to teach emotional wellbeing skills, and share a range of strategies.

Ruth Simmonds, Education project manager at the Mental Health Foundation, explores the importance of bringing nature into primary schools.

Tracy Godfroy is a child psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. She advises teachers on how to support young people who are experiencing mental health problems as a result of traumatic experiences and offers her classroom communication tips.

Schools throughout the country have noted the profound impact of COVID-19 on children and young people's mental health (CYPMH) and experts agree that an integrated, whole-school approach is essential to tackle the issues. Here's our guide to organisations that can offer support and advice.