At St. Joseph’s, we place great value on mental health and ensure it remains a priority for all. We teach children the importance of looking after their wellbeing and help them develop the skills they need to care for their mental health throughout their lives.

As of September 2024, we have introduced the My Happy Mind programme to complement our existing pastoral provision. This scheme teaches every child practical skills, strategies and habits that support positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. By taking a proactive approach, we aim to reduce the likelihood of children reaching crisis points and instead empower them to understand and manage their feelings effectively.

My Happy Mind helps children learn how their brain works. They explore key ideas such as neuroplasticity and discover the roles of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Through the programme, pupils learn to recognise when their brain is helping them make good decisions, as well as noticing moments when their brain may not be working as supportively. To help with this, children are taught ‘happy breathing’ and other self-regulation techniques that support calm, focused thinking.

The myHappymind Programme

Throughout the academic year, each class will work through the five modules:

• Meet Your Brain

• Celebrate

• Appreciate

• Relate

• Engage

Parent information

Parent Introduction Video

myHappymind Programme