Priory launches free emotional wellbeing programme

Known as the Priory Emotional Wellbeing Programme for Children, it was created by leading therapists and is aimed at children at the end of primary school and early secondary age.

The programme is led by experts based at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Southampton.

It covers thought management, mood management, calming techniques, and guidance on adapting to different situations.

It uses evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotional coping skills, and mindfulness.

CBT therapist Claire Gask, clinical lead for Priory Wellbeing Centre Southampton, who helped to develop the programme, said: "Our emotional wellbeing programme is pioneering in that, for the first time, it will mean there are widely and freely accessible skills-based learnings developed by experts that will help fill the ‘gap’ in young people’s emotional resilience."

CBT therapist Claire Gask, who helped develop the programme (Image: Priory)

The programme is delivered by therapists via video, who talk through different emotional management skills directly.

This is complemented by written skills manuals for facilitators, who could be parents, teachers, or anyone with responsibility for working with children, to use, as well as worksheets for children to complete.

The programme can be delivered in a classroom, home environment, or in the community, such as guiding and scout groups.

It is clearly structured with an introduction, a total of 18 skills taught within five core areas – Wellness, Communication, Skills, Mood, and Activities – and a closing session.

Rebekah Cresswell, chief executive of Priory, said: "I am extremely proud of colleagues across Priory who have developed this valuable and essential set of resources.

The programme can be delivered in a classroom, home environment, or in the community, such as guiding and scout groups (Image: Priory)

"It is clear this is a critical point in time for the mental health of children and young people across the UK, particularly in terms of access to care and support, and I believe this extensive programme has the potential to be transformational given its accessibility and the range of expertise involved."

The programme follows guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) relating to social, emotional, and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education.