Introduction

Based on over 15 years of experience working with some of the most vulnerable young people, and packed full of strategies from play therapy, Rhythmic Movement therapy, and mental health support, 'Hello, Brain?' is a toolkit of knowledge and practical skills young people can use every day to help them handle big feelings in healthier ways.

From exam stress to relational conflict, anxiety to depression, 'Hello, Brain?' helps young people understand what's going on in their brains and bodies when big feelings take hold, and to develop a three-step method for feeling calmer and accessing help and support to work through the problems and challenges of day to day life.

The programme is available as assembly-sized introductions, workshops, or six week group work programmes.

'Hello, Brain?' is practical, empowering, and inclusive - not just of ability, but age too: sessions are of benefit to staff and support reflection on work-related stress for grown-ups!
Accompanying training for staff or parents/carers is also available.
  • The triune brain and sensory detective work using body and mind to work out feelings
  • Three-step method for handling big feelings: Detection, First Aid and Resolution
  • No-cost sensory and movement-based strategies for handling big feelings
  • Reflecting on use of social media to release emotions and the risks/benefits of confusing social attention for interpersonal connection

Impact to date

'Hello, Brain' has been delivered to the entire Year 7 cohort at Oakgrove School, Milton Keynes, for the past three years, reaching over 700 young people; a follow-up programme for those young people now in Year 9 is being planned for deliver in 2019.

​The programme has just started to be delivered at Stantonbury International School in Milton Keynes too, along with plans to deliver bespoke small group programmes for young people around social anxiety, friendship skills, with additional support for young people whose wellbeing, behaviour and attendance is affected by ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).