Mental wellbeing

Resources for teaching about mental wellbeing at primary and secondary school age.

Teaching about mental wellbeing, on GOV.UK Go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/teaching-about-mental-wellbeing (opens new window) training module including:

  • talking about emotions
  • self-care techniques
  • isolation and loneliness
  • the impact of bullying 
  • getting help and support

Emotional Health, from amaze, USA Go to https://amaze.org/educators/toolkits/emotional-health/ (opens new window) toolkit with videos and downloads.

Mentally Healthy Schools Go to https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/ (opens new window) website from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

Teaching resources, from British Red Cross Go to https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/teaching-resources (opens new window) including activities for:

Schools Toolkit from Action for Happiness Go to https://actionforhappiness.org/toolkit-for-schools (opens new window) programme including assemblies and lesson plans. There are 2 toolkits for ages 5 to 7 and for ages 7 to 11. They cost £80 each.

Preparing for recovery: Self-review and signposting tool Go to https://www.ncb.org.uk/resources/all-resources/filter/emotional-wellbeing/preparing-recovery-self-review-and-signposting (opens new window), from the national children's bureau.

PHSE Association mental health and emotional wellbeing pack Go to https://pshe-association.org.uk/search?queryTerm=Mental%20health%20and%20emotional%20wellbeing%20pack (opens new window)

Every Mind Matters self-care tool Go to https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools/resources/every-mind-matters-self-care-tool?WT.mc_id=PHE_EdComs_RiseAbove_Nov2019_Subscriber_EMM_Find_out_More_CTA (opens new window) from Public Health England.

Ditch the Label mental health lesson plans Go to https://dtled.org/downloads/category/mental-health/ (opens new window) for ages 12 to 25.

Head Ed mental health lesson plans for teenagers Go to https://education.stem4.org.uk/head-ed/ (opens new window)

Kooth #DontDoItAlone resource hub Go to https://explore.kooth.com/dontdoitalone/ (opens new window) including promotional materials and lesson plans for young people.

A-Z of mental health Go to https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/ (opens new window) from Mind.

How the Samaritans Go to https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/schools/ (opens new window) help schools.

Body image and self esteem

The Be Real campaign Go to https://www.berealcampaign.co.uk/resources (opens new window) body confidence resources.

Changing faces Go to https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/for-professionals/teachers/ (opens new window) teaching resources to help pupils with a visible difference feel included.

Nobody is normal campaign Go to https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/normal (opens new window) from Childline.

Body image and advertising resources Go to https://mediasmart.uk.com/body-image-9-11/ (opens new window) from Media Smart, for ages 9 to 11.

Body positive schools Go to https://www.talk-ed.org.uk/free-resource-for-schools/ (opens new window) anorexia and bulimia care for ages 11 to 14.

Transition to secondary school

Transition to secondary school lesson plan Go to https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools/resources/transition-to-secondary-school-lesson-plan-pack (opens new window) from Public Health England.

From the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

Moving Up! Animation about the transition to secondary school Go to https://www.annafreud.org/movingup/ (opens new window)

Resources for starting, changing, or leaving school or college Go to https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/2021-transition-toolkit (opens new window)

Change tunnel activity Go to https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/change-tunnel-activity/ (opens new window) for year 6 children.

Bristol Healthy Schools topics

Find more advice and resources if you're completing our healthy schools awards about: