Partnership for Children was established in 2001. Our aim is to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, helping them to develop social and communication skills, coping strategies, emotional resilience and self-confidence. We have developed a range of programmes and activities which help children and young people (aged 3 – 12 years) to cope with difficulties and express their feelings, resulting in improved classroom atmosphere, boosted academic achievement and reduced bullying. To date over 2.8 million children around the world have benefitted from our Skills for Life programmes.
The transition from primary to secondary school can be challenging for many young people – struggling to meet new friends, feelings of loneliness or not belonging, dealing with academic pressure. If a young person struggles with transition to a new school, it can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing and academic achievement. Support from The Pixel Fund will enable us to provide our SPARK Resilience programme (resources and teacher training) to five UK secondary schools to support 250 students in Year 7 as they begin secondary school.
SPARK Resilience is a 10-week programme, designed for 10–12-year-olds, to build emotional resilience and coping skills. It combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and positive psychology to help children and young people manage emotions, challenge negative thoughts and develop personal strengths. The programme uses creative tools to teach students how to reframe challenges and build confidence. Each session, which is led by a teacher who has been trained to run SPARK Resilience, helps children build confidence, recognise their personal strengths, and develop practical tools for managing challenges. Evaluations of the original programme found it was effective in boosting children and young people’s resilience and self-esteem and preventing depression. Feedback from our training found that teachers improved their knowledge, skills and confidence to teach resilience skills to their students as well as improved personal resilience.
This project, generously supported by The Pixel Fund, aligns with our mission to help children and young people develop skills which will enhance their present and future emotional well-being.